CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Whirring metal-girder robots, propelled by plastic omnidirectional wheels and controlled remotely by computer programs, roll across the smooth concrete lab floor while middle-school-age students click away at keyboards, hold serious discussions and cheer each other on.
This is just another day in the advanced LEGO robotics camp, one of several STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) camps hosted at Cleveland State Community College this summer.
"It's our brain telling the computer what to do," said camp instructor Jennifer Miles, who teaches engineering and computer-assisted drawing classes at Walker Valley High School.
The camp offers real-world challenges and applications, teaching the students about programming logic and how to integrate functions requiring electrical components such as motors, batteries, on/off switches and sensory devices, Miles said.
Common project tasks include elements of grasping or bowling objects coupled with navigation that has to be cognizant of the robot's surroundings, as robots have to be able to maneuver and still not endanger life and property in real life, she said.
"I'm here to get hands-on experience with robotics and electronics," said Joseph Rymer, a 15-year-old Bradley Central High School student, who cited his intent to follow the disciplines as part of his future career path.
Rymer is a veteran robotic camp participant, he said.
Cleveland State launched the LEGO robotic camps a couple of years ago, and they have quickly grown, said Alyssa Douglass, workforce development project coordinator for the college.
Students also gain insights to real-world applications of STEM concepts by working with experienced professionals and taking field trips, Douglass said.
In robotics camp, the students get to meet bomb disposal technicians who bring their robot, equipped with a water cannon, to the class, she said.
Biochemistry camp students get to visit an aquaponics farm and a forensic lab, which show them a good mix of various career paths and stress lab work, DNA theory and journal methods, Douglass said.
Students have similar experiences in camps dedicated to advanced manufacturing, multimedia and culinary arts, she said.
The camps have been designed and implemented to dovetail with efforts made by the career and technical education programs of the local high schools, Douglass said.
Rick Creasy, executive director of workforce development for Cleveland State, stressed the importance of exposing the next generation of workers to the modern workplace.
"The important thing is that parents and grandparents have to realize that the future is not tomorrow, it is right now in terms of getting these kids ready for 21st Century jobs," Creasy said. "The things that they are working on and studying this week will help them actually make career decisions based on their interests and their aptitude for going into computer robotics."
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.