7/16/2014 5:18 PM
by Rachael Cardin
BECKLEY - A national government agency is sponsoring a robotics boot camp this week in Southern West Virginia.
A science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) center partnered with another organization in Beckley this week for the Lego League Boot Camp. The two day program, held at West Virginia University SEMAA lab, enabled students from ages 9 and 14 to participate in hands on robotic demonstrations as well as other technological competitions. The hope is that this will engage their interest in pursuing these types of careers in the future. The program uses a team competition atmosphere to teach these kids in a fun and interactive way. Program officials said the event is a great way for students to become more knowledgeable about science.
Program Coordinator at the IV&V Center said," We believe that this is a particularly effective way to engage them because, well, who doesn't like legos and then the kids get to work together as teammates, they get to do a research project. And as they go throughout all steps of the challenge, hopefully they realize not only is this fun, but they're also career paths they can pursue."
The camp continues on Thursday for this particular age group.