The robotics encounter event for area grade school students took place through out the day last Saturday at the Vincennes University Jasper Campus technology innovation and manufacturing building hosted by Purdue Extension of Dubois County.
4-H Youth Development Extension Educator Jennifer Monarch and Purdue Extension personnel and volunteers were facilitating the robotics experience for youth in grades 3-12 from Dubois County.
Monarch says the event was open to all youth, both members and non members of 4-H to help promote interactions with technology and robotics.
She says that they received a grant through Purdue that funded the EV3 robots and through that grant also were able to accomplish the Robotics Encounter event. She says they are also are trying to start a Robotics Club in 4-H.
Monarch elaborates on the importance of providing an environment where young students can experience technology in Dubois County as it could prepare them for future achievements and awareness of their surroundings…
Monarch provided an example of how one of their activities using small drones can be beneficial as a learning tool as drones are becoming more useful with agriculture and will increase in demand in the future.
12 year-old Dylan Weyer, a 7th grader at Forest Park, describes his experience and familiarity with drone work…
Dylan was accompanied by his father Gary Weyer to supervise the use of his drone during the robotics encounter as he demonstrated to his peers how drones function.
Dylan is a 4th generation of the Weyer Farm and has had a wide range of experience in 4-H showing his horse, ceramics, crops, and other projects throughout his 4 years involved and says he’s has learned a lot about work ethic.
To learn more on how your students or children can be part of the 4-H Robotics Club contact 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator Jennifer Monarch at 812-482-1782.
