Highlights

Students who participated in the STEM RISE Arizona summer program, funded by the Agnese Nelms Haury Program in Environment and Social Justice, took the opportunity to be engaged in a series of six, 3-hour sessions at the University of Arizona main campus to explore LEGO Robotics offered by the 4-H STEM Cooperative Extension Team; Scott Omo an undergraduate in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering lead the Lego Robotics curriculum, Kaitlyn Benally a Veterinary Science major in School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences lead the youth in the 4-H pledge, and Jasmine Lopez also a Veterinary Science major in ACBS and an AmeriCorps member coordinated the sessions; Daniela Cabrera Research Specialist/STEM program coordinator and Dr. Gerardo (Jerry) Lopez provided support. Eight students ages 10-17 learned how to assemble a robot with LEGOs and program them using an app installed into an iPad. Students learned to work in teams, sharing knowledge with each other and experiential learning throughout each session. On November 17 on the UA campus, students showcased their skills to their families, such as a robot dance, navigating through a maze with different attached sensors and other assorted activities. Overall, students were able to take away new skills in programming and gain interest in a stem-related field.