Event Report: Robotics and Python Workshop by Varsity for Empowering STEAM -ATOM
Date: 4th September 2024
Venue: American Center
Organizer: Varsity for Empowering STEAM
The Robotics and Python Workshop organized by Varsity for Empowering STEAM at the American Center focused on integrating the power of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to encourage innovation. The workshop provided hands-on learning, emphasizing how creativity (art) plays a critical role alongside technology in bringing innovations to life.
Day 1 Highlights
1. Introduction to STEAM and Innovation The workshop began with a session led by the Varsity coordinators, who highlighted the importance of art in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). They stressed how STEAM, which integrates art with technology, fosters creativity and enhances innovation, encouraging participants to see the connection between artistic thinking and technical problem-solving.
2. Team Formation and Task Assignment After the introductory session, participants were divided into three teams consisting of 4-5 people each. Each team was tasked with programming LEGO robots using Python, reinforcing the workshop's hands-on approach to learning.
3. Robotic Tasks and Programming Challenges Each team was assigned various coding tasks aimed at making the LEGO robots perform specific actions:
○ Task 1: Write a code that allows the robot to move and stop after covering a certain distance.
○ Task 2: Program the robot to move in the shape of a figure 8, a challenging task that tested participants' programming skills and understanding of robotic motion.
4. These activities encouraged collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity, pushing participants to apply their Python programming knowledge in a practical, real-world scenario.
Conclusion
The first day of the workshop was both educational and engaging, with a strong emphasis on how artistic creativity is crucial in robotics and technology. By combining coding tasks with robotic
movement, participants were able to see firsthand how STEAM can drive innovation and creativity. The collaborative tasks not only built programming skills but also reinforced the importance of teamwork and creative problem-solving.
Event Report: Robotics and Python Workshop - Day 2
Date: 10th September 2024
Venue: American Center
Organizer: Varsity for Empowering STEAM
The second day of the Robotics and Python Workshop continued to build on the foundation laid on Day 1, with participants successfully completing their programming tasks and gaining inspiration from an exciting guest speaker. The day was marked by interactive learning, real-world insights, and a unique opportunity to apply coding skills to a rover.
Day 2 Highlights
1. Completion of Programming Tasks The day began with the teams finalizing the tasks assigned on Day 1. Participants successfully:
○ Completed the figure 8 movement with the LEGO robots using Python code.
○ Programmed the robots to move in a square pattern, a task that further developed their ability to control robotic motion through precise coding.
2. The completion of these tasks demonstrated the participants' growing confidence in both programming and robotics.
3. Interactive Session with Aisha Bowe, Former NASA Scientist The highlight of Day 2 was an inspiring session led by Aisha Bowe, a former NASA scientist and now a successful entrepreneur. In her interactive talk, Aisha shared her personal journey, from her days working at NASA to becoming a tech entrepreneur. She emphasized:
○ The importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.
○ How her background in engineering and science fueled her entrepreneurial ventures.
○ The significance of promoting diversity in STEM fields, encouraging participants to pursue their passion, regardless of their background.
4. The session was engaging, with participants asking Aisha questions about her experiences in space exploration, her career at NASA, and her transition into entrepreneurship.
5. Hands-on Session with a Rover The workshop took an exciting turn when participants were given the opportunity to apply their previously written code on an astronaut rover.
This hands-on activity allowed them to see how their coding and robotics skills could translate into real-world applications, similar to those used in space exploration.
6. Q&A with Aisha Bowe The day concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants were able to ask Aisha Bowe more about her work at NASA, her views on the future of space technology, and how to navigate the entrepreneurial world as a technologist. Her responses were insightful and motivating, leaving the participants with valuable advice for their future careers in STEM.
Conclusion
Day 2 of the Robotics and Python Workshop was both educational and inspirational. Participants not only completed their coding tasks but also had the chance to engage with a former NASA scientist and entrepreneur. This hands-on experience, combined with real-world insights from Aisha Bowe, offered a unique perspective on how STEM and entrepreneurship can come together to create innovative solutions for the future.
