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.