La Sierra’s first robotics camp attracts large turnout

  Science+Technology+Environment   College of Arts & Sciences  

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The classroom was packed with 36 kids ages 8 to 12, eager to learn about robotics with Enoch Hwang, computer science chair and professor. The event concluded with a competition that showcased what they learned.

Dr. Enoch Hwang gives instruction to young participants in La Sierra's first robotics summer camp this June. (Photos: Eric Melgosa)
Dr. Enoch Hwang gives instruction to young participants in La Sierra's first robotics summer camp this June. (Photos: Eric Melgosa)
La Sierra University's successful first robotics summer camp enrolled 36 campers with another 40 on a waiting list.
La Sierra University's successful first robotics summer camp enrolled 36 campers with another 40 on a waiting list.
A participant in the robotics summer camp program checks his robot.
A participant in the robotics summer camp program checks his robot.
Another camp attendee shows off a robot that lights up.
Another camp attendee shows off a robot that lights up.
The robotics summer camp concluded with a robot competition.
The robotics summer camp concluded with a robot competition.
Dr. Enoch Hwang, left, second row from back, and his assistants, taught robotics to 36 youth during the university's first robotics summer camp.
Dr. Enoch Hwang, left, second row from back, and his assistants, taught robotics to 36 youth during the university's first robotics summer camp.

La Sierra University offered a Robotics Summer Camp for the first time from June 13 to 24. The new summer camp attracted a total of 76 enrollees, an unexpectedly large turnout. Forty were placed on a waiting list. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about robotics, analytical thinking, computer programming, and electronics through hands-on activities. The primary objective of the camp was to build a robot, where they had a chance to showcase their final product and compete on the last day of camp. The winners of the robot competition were allowed to take their robot home.

“I am so grateful and impressed at the progress the children were able to make in such a short period of time,” said Gina Trani Girmes, parent of a participant.

“I wanted to thank you. My son had a fabulous time in the class and learned so much,” commented parent Teresa DeGuie.

Camp attendees were not expected to have any prior experience in robotics. They were provided with an Arduino kit that came with an Arduino microcontroller board, USB cable, LED lights, buzzer, push button, sensors, motor, and other components. They also learned simple computer programming concepts and how to connect external components such as lights and sensors. Hwang’s main goal was to get kids to start thinking logically. Since the event, a follow-up advanced class has been requested by parents and the participants.

“I had a fun time […] learning about Arduino each day. This summer camp has encouraged me to use Arduino and to learn more about it,” said Isabelle Pastrano, age 8.

Hwang was in charge of the event and was motivated to extend his knowledge and work in the robotics community. He currently runs a robotics club that includes participants in college, high school, and junior high school. He has also recently taken responsibility of a project that involves his college students constructing a robotic arm that can be controlled from anywhere using a standard web browser. Hwang believes that robotics is becoming the future and that it is important for future generations to assist in making them more user-friendly.

“When I was young, I liked to build automated little gadgets. Now I’m at a point where I know how to do it, so let me teach what I know,” said Hwang. 

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