Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum Week 3


Bits and bots week! This week we learned to build and create code for robots. With the 6-8 group, we built two robots: a mouse robot and a sumo robot. The mouse robot, which we tried to make look like a mouse, was able to detect objects ahead of it and turn around to avoid them. The sumo robot, however, would be used to see which robot could push the other one off of the “ring”. Despite the difficulty of the task, they all did exceptionally well and were able to build and code the robots each in one week!

Despite how exciting it was to build the robots, being inside for so long along with rainy days that didn’t let us go outside too much, many of our campers became restless. It was understandable because there’s only so much kids could tolerate being in the same room sitting for more than two hours and still be attentive. To try and combat this we had mini dance parties to keep them energized. Regardless of the restlessness, it was incredible seeing all the kids so invested and dedicated to their robots and making sure they worked.

Throughout the week we experienced some issues with the robots with missing supplies and motherboards that didn’t work. But, despite this, they were all willing to help fix it and ask others for help. A big help and support this week was our instructor, Brendan, who was patient and supported the kids every step of the way. Even today, he checked every robot kit to make sure all the kids to had all their tools. Thank you, Brendan!

Prior to camp, I never considered myself a patient person but, I guess, you can never say never.  Over the past weeks, I’ve learned the importance of being patient. Although sometimes it feels like you’re speaking into the abyss, it’s all worth it. Today it was incredible seeing how proud all of the campers and their parents were of their hard work. Some even stayed a bit after the presentations to fix anything that was wrong.




Until next time,
Maira

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