Internship Work Based Learning

Engineering Internship

Hello, name is Alexandra Price, and I completed half of my internship at CIESMC under the mentorship of Ms.Williams and the supervision of Dr. Swarn. My internship took place from August 6 to December 15th

CIESMC (the Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education and Making) is an organization that focuses on expanding access to engineering, science, and technology education for students and educators. During my internship, my role as a high school intern was to provide a student perspective on projects and initiatives, ensuring that the work being developed was engaging, accessible, and relevant to high school students. I contributed feedback based on my experiences as a student and participated in discussions surrounding educational programs and resources. A major highlight of my internship was the opportunity to participate in a conference with Apple, where I gained insight into how technology and education intersect on a professional level.

What is the Purpose of CIESMC?

The purpose of CIESMC is to address gaps in access to high-quality engineering, science, and technology education, particularly for students from underrepresented and underserved communities. The organization exists to support educators and students by developing innovative programs, professional development opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences that promote STEM equity. The work done at CIESMC includes educational research, curriculum development, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with schools and technology organizations. The mission of the team I worked with was to create inclusive, student-centered STEM experiences that reflect real student needs and perspectives. Common tools and methods used at CIESMC include collaborative planning platforms, digital communication tools, educational research methods, data analysis, and technology-based learning resources.

RURAL CS PROJECT

What is the Rural CS Project?

The Rural Computer Science Initiative at the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC) at Georgia Tech was one of the organization’s largest projects this year. The initiative is designed to expand access to high-quality computer science education for students and teachers in rural Georgia.

Through this project, Georgia Tech faculty and partner educators delivered interactive computer science modules covering topics such as coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data visualization to schools with limited STEM resources. The goal of the initiative is to bridge the digital divide and prepare rural students for future opportunities in computer science and other STEM fields.

My Role

Before actively working on the project, I conducted background research to ensure I had a strong understanding of the topic and could contribute meaningfully. This research took the form of a literature review, which is a process of analyzing existing academic studies, articles, and reports to understand what is already known about a subject, identify trends, and recognize gaps in current research. Completing a literature review allowed me to become familiar with how computer science and artificial intelligence are being used in rural communities, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with these technologies. This preparation helped me engage more thoughtfully with the project and provide informed feedback once hands-on work began.

Literature Review

Elegoo Robot

To begin this project, I conducted preliminary research by reviewing instructional materials and watching technical tutorials to understand the design and assembly of ELEGOO robotic systems. Using this research, I followed step-by-step build guides and engineering diagrams to assemble approximately twenty ELEGOO robots, ensuring proper mechanical alignment, accurate component placement, and overall structural stability. One example of the robot I built can be viewed here

Coding

After assembling the ELEGOO robots, I programmed them using the Arduino IDE and C/C++-based Arduino code. The program controlled motor movement, sensor input, and operating modes by calling predefined functions for obstacle avoidance, line tracking, RGB lighting, and remote control behaviors. I tested and debugged the code by uploading it to each robot, monitoring sensor responses, and resolving compilation or logic issues to ensure consistent performance across all builds.

After coding the robots, I tested each one to ensure the camera sensor and wheel motors were functioning correctly. This testing process allowed me to verify accurate movement, sensor response, and overall system reliability before final deployment. Here is me testing them out :)

Hey!!

Apple Conference with CESIMC

I had the opportunity to participate in a conference with Apple and CEISMC, where educators, researchers, and industry professionals collaborated to discuss innovation in STEM and computer science education. During the conference, I actively used the Apple Playground and Free Form apps to explore creative problem-solving and prototype ideas in real time, which made the experience highly interactive and engaging. Observing these professional discussions and seeing how large organizations approach challenges in education was both inspiring and informative. I was especially excited to be part of an environment where technology, education, and creativity came together to create real-world impact.

Results + Impact

The project resulted in successfully building and programming 20 LEGO robots with fully functional wheels and camera sensors. Before beginning, I conducted a literature review to research existing methods and technologies, which gave me a solid foundation and helped me approach the project with confidence. My participation in the Apple and CEISMC conference also contributed by exposing me to professional problem-solving approaches, creative brainstorming, and tools like Apple Playground and Free Form, which I applied during the project. My work helped the team by testing all robots, supporting other members, and ensuring everything met the tight three-day deadline. Through this experience, I learned the importance of research, speaking up for myself, collaborating effectively, and managing time efficiently in real-world engineering projects.

Engineering Skills I gained and How:

Research – Before starting the project, I conducted a literature review and watched tutorials to fully understand the design and programming of the robots. This preparation allowed me to avoid mistakes and approach problems with confidence.
Coding (Python / EGLEGO programming) – I programmed each robot to operate wheels and camera sensors, testing and debugging to ensure consistent performance.
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics – When a robot didn’t work correctly, I identified mechanical or software issues and applied solutions efficiently.
Project Management and Meeting Deadlines – I built 20 robots in three days, coordinating with team members, tracking progress, and ensuring the project was completed on time.
Teamwork and Communication – I spoke up when problems occurred, offered solutions, and checked the work of others to maintain team productivity and quality.
Engineering Design Process – I followed a structured approach: researching, prototyping, coding, testing, and iterating improvements.

Reflection

Most Important Thing Learned: I learned the value of thorough research and preparation before starting a project. Doing my homework in advance gave me confidence and helped me solve problems more efficiently.
Engineering Practices or Mindsets Observed: I saw professionals using structured problem-solving, iterative design, and collaborative brainstorming. They emphasized speaking up, sharing ideas, and testing solutions early and often.
Surprises About the Engineering Workplace: I was surprised by how strictly deadlines are enforced in real projects. Unlike school, there are no grace periods, which required me to manage my time carefully and stay organized.
Influence on Future Goals: This internship inspired me to pursue opportunities in STEM and robotics, especially roles where I can combine programming, design, and teamwork to make a real-world impact.
Advice for Future Students: Do your research before starting, speak up when you encounter problems, and stay on top of deadlines. Collaboration and communication are just as important as technical skills in completing projects successfully

I am so grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this internship and am excited to continue exploring and learning in the next year.

14 STEAM CAREER DAY JA TEMPLATE

Steam Carrer Day

During my internship this fall, I had the opportunity to give a presentation at Drew’s EA for STEM Day, aimed at introducing children to engineering and technology in an engaging way. The intended audience was elementary, many of whom had little prior exposure to STEM fields.This experience connected to my internship by allowing me to practice communicating complex ideas in an accessible way, engaging diverse learners, and demonstrating how the tools I used—like Apple Playground and Free Form—can make engineering concepts interactive and fun. It also helped me reflect on how creativity and technology come together in real-world engineering work.

Page updated

Report abuse