Boys & Girls Club-St Char MO - STEAMbotics Academy

STEAMBotics Academyis part of the international FIRST Robotics network that teaches youth how to build and engineer robots for competitions, engaging students in STEM learning and preparing them for the future through hands-on fun that transfers STEM concepts to real-world applications. FIRST combines the excitement of sports competition with the rigors of science and technology.  Age-appropriate programming begins with helping young children explore basic concepts with motorized LEGO elements and culminates in international competitions of high level high school teams. (www.firstinspires.org)

BGCSTC has implemented robotics to spark interest in STEM learning; develop creativity and problem solving, time management, collaboration and team building skills; and to help youth explore opportunities in STEM careers. STEAMBotics groups meet every Wednesday and Thursday afterschool at the St. Charles Unit: the FIRST LEGO League for grades 4 to 8; the FIRST Tech Challenge for grades 7 to 12; and a new FIRST LEGO League junior team for grades K to 4. Older students compete in meets and other events such as demonstrating their robots at various events. 

In STEAMbotics Academy, children are taught to do research, be a leader in the program, be a spokesperson, work by themself or as a group, share responsibilites and learn through expermentation.  At competitions, the children are the sole presenters.  The project is their full responsibility.  At this point, the instructors are spectators and cheerleaders.  Win or lose, the children come away feeling good about their accomplishments, what they have learned and are ready to make the necessary program adjustments or move on to the next big engaging project.  

The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County continues to interest its members to participate in STEAMbotics Academy.  This program teaches the valuable information needed to stimulate the desire in our young children to learn about the world of STEAM and exactly how it is going to be a large component in their future employment.  The children have learned to build and compete in Robotic competition as well as doing research, making a presentation, dismantling and rebuilding a robot in a timed environment all while journaling their accomplishments.  The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County Robotic program is available to multiple age levels enabling competition to be age appropriate.  The Club members are always eager to advance to a new and unconstructed robot enabling them to continue to work as a team by sharing their thoughts and energy on the best and most constructive way to be successful.  The teams continue to compete when possible and with time permitting.  Many of the Club’s members are not exposed to the STEAM programs in their school due to time and space constraints.  The Boys & Girls Club does seize the opportunity to fill this gap.  We are well aware that in the future over 80% of all employment positions will be STEAM related and we want our children to be aware and prepared to advance into that world and look forward to a bright and gainful future.