NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Department of Engineering Technology completed four summer robotics camps targeted to beginners, intermediate and advanced students. A total of 62 students participated.
During the camps, students learned basic electronics and how to assemble and program robots. All sessions were given safety tips and a tour of the department facilities and labs. Examples from senior design projects related to radio-controlled devices were also demonstrated to participants.
“The purpose of these camps is to engage students and attract them to STEM related fields,” said Dr. Jafar Al-Sharab, department head. “Robots are a great STEM tool since they combine hardware and software components. The camp tries to enhance teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, and presentation skills of participants.”
Students were asked to draw their future robot and summarize its tasks. At the end of the camp students did a short presentation regarding what they learned and shared what they would like to do in the future. Each student was presented with certificate of participation.
Three NSU students from the ET department who are also members of the IEEE Chapter at NSU helped in leading different camp activities.
The annual robotics camps are sponsored by the ET Department at NSU and Natchitoches Chamber Education Fund. For more information about Engineering Technology and STEM related activities, you may contact ET Department Head,
Dr. Jafar F. Al-Sharab at jafar@nsula.edu.
