Mentoring at Lehua Summer Robotics academy:
On Monday, July 7th, the PCHS Robotics Team began our first mentorship program with the Lehua Summer Robotics Academy. We worked with the students, all of which came from six different elementary schools in the Leeward district, for the week prior to their Exhibition Playoffs, held on July 11th in the Lehua Elementary Cafeteria. Before we arrived, these bright minds had already begun learning about the different skills needed to build a working robot.
The Lehua Summer Academy structured the class to expose students to different aspects of robotics so they can independently create a functioning robot. Through the class sessions, the students learn about basic skills such as: electronics, programming, and building. As the weeks progressed they built, programmed, and tested their own robots. These robots were used to compete at their Exhibition Play-offs, as well as show off their hard work to their parents. It was a fun day for everyone involved, from the competitions, to the slideshow, and refreshments.
The Lehua Summer Academy program is partnered with SPAWAR and NDEP. Both companies provide funding and expertise in the form of engineering mentors from Pearl Harbor. Four a days week, engineers come out to help the kids in this robotics program.
One of the reasons for starting a robotics program at the elementary level is to become a "hub of robotics" for students, with programs going from elementary school to high school level. Another reason is that being apart of robotics provides students with opportunities for scholarships and apprenticeships that would not otherwise be available to them. Robotics also provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing engineering.
"It's not just for the competition. It's more for their careers, their future, and building that interest now so they'll come in ready to go. It's fun to win, but I don't think that's the main reason why we're here. It's getting ready for their future, because they need to start now. If they can start now, they will get more out of it in the end." -Mr.Nguyen, PCHS Robotics Advisor
The Lehua Summer Academy structured the class to expose students to different aspects of robotics so they can independently create a functioning robot. Through the class sessions, the students learn about basic skills such as: electronics, programming, and building. As the weeks progressed they built, programmed, and tested their own robots. These robots were used to compete at their Exhibition Play-offs, as well as show off their hard work to their parents. It was a fun day for everyone involved, from the competitions, to the slideshow, and refreshments.
The Lehua Summer Academy program is partnered with SPAWAR and NDEP. Both companies provide funding and expertise in the form of engineering mentors from Pearl Harbor. Four a days week, engineers come out to help the kids in this robotics program.
One of the reasons for starting a robotics program at the elementary level is to become a "hub of robotics" for students, with programs going from elementary school to high school level. Another reason is that being apart of robotics provides students with opportunities for scholarships and apprenticeships that would not otherwise be available to them. Robotics also provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing engineering.
"It's not just for the competition. It's more for their careers, their future, and building that interest now so they'll come in ready to go. It's fun to win, but I don't think that's the main reason why we're here. It's getting ready for their future, because they need to start now. If they can start now, they will get more out of it in the end." -Mr.Nguyen, PCHS Robotics Advisor