Middle school students from across Berkeley County recently converged at Westview Middle School in Goose Creek for an exciting two-day event focused on robotics education and competition. Hosted by Google, this event provided science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students with a unique opportunity to enhance their tech skills while nurturing the potential for future engineers who will play vital roles in the area’s growing technology industry.
Head of community and economic development for Google, Amber Tillman, expressed the significance of this event in fostering the talent pipeline for Berkeley County. She emphasized the importance of igniting students’ interest in technology, providing them with hands-on experiences, and nurturing critical-thinking skills. Google, in collaboration with the robotics education competition foundation and the Berkeley County School District, organized this hands-on STEM competition to achieve these goals.
The event kicked off with students receiving robotics kits and collaborating with engineers to assemble remote control bots. Working through a series of driving and programming challenges, students tested their skills and knowledge. On the second day, teams engaged in a friendly competition to determine which group had created the most impressive robot.
While the competition itself was exciting, the true value of this event lies in the long-term impact on students. Tillman revealed that approximately half of the participants had previous experience with robotics workshops, while others were getting their first taste of building a robot. Encouraging students and exposing them to technology at an early age helps to build a strong talent base that can contribute to the local community’s growth.
Boeing, Volvo, and Google are among the prominent companies that operate in the area, making the need for skilled technicians and engineers more important than ever. Supporting events like this robotics competition is part of Google’s commitment to giving back to the community it has called home since 2007.
Through events like this, students are empowered to explore their interests and potential careers, laying the groundwork for a bright future in the technology industry. By providing students with the tools, knowledge, and experiences necessary to succeed, Berkeley County is investing in the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of the robotics education and competition event?
The purpose of the event is to provide middle school students with opportunities to enhance their tech skills and build an interest in technology and critical-thinking skills.
2. Who hosts the event?
The event is hosted by Google, in partnership with the robotics education competition foundation and the Berkeley County School District.
3. What happens during the event?
During the event, students gather robotics kits and, with the guidance of engineers, assemble remote control bots. They then participate in driving and programming challenges, followed by a friendly competition to showcase their bots.
4. Why is it important to expose students to technology at a young age?
Exposing students to technology at a young age helps to build a talent pipeline and prepares them for future careers in the growing technology industry.
5. How does this event benefit Berkeley County?
By investing in students’ interests and talents, Berkeley County is cultivating a skilled workforce, which is essential for the growth of the local technology industry.