Concordia University Chicago’s (CUC) computer science department is again offering a free S.T.E.M. Robotics Camp this summer. The camp will take place August 1 through 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enrollment preference will be given to students attending the following high schools: Elmwood Park, Guerin Prep, Leyden District 212, Luther North, Oak Park and River Forest, Proviso Math and Science Academy, Ridgewood, and Walther Christian Academy.
As a result of generous support from the University, the camp is being offered free of charge. Attendance is limited to 20 total students. Now in its second year, the camp has received resounding praise from attendees and parents alike.
The introductory-level robotics camp will be led by Dr. Victor Govindaswamy, associate professor of computer science at CUC, along with undergraduate computer science students serving as mentors. Govindaswamy has developed similar successful camps at Texas A&M University-Texarkana and the University of Texas at Arlington. Under Govindaswamy’s guidance, undergraduate computer science students at CUC have placed first in Chicago and second in the Midwest in computer programming competitions sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Camp participants will assemble, program and debug LEGO Mindstorms EV3 and NTX robotics kits by learning the necessary mathematics skills to enable the basic concepts behind their designs. Students also have the opportunity to hear from and interact with successful role models in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) fields, including CUC alumni.
Goals include enhancing interest in S.T.E.M.-related careers, development of students’ analytical skills and ultimately preparing attendees for college-level work. The camp culminates in a series of unique robotic competitions including tug-of-war, sumo wrestling and drag racing.
An application is required to attend and can be downloaded from CUChicago.edu/STEMrobotics. The application deadline is July 1. For additional information, contact John Korntheuer at [email protected].
