Children learn robotics at Lipscomb summer camp

Children learn robotics at Lipscomb summer camp

Editor’s note: The following stories were written by students at the 2014 Lipscomb University/Tennessee High School Press Association Journalism Camp.  By Arden Igleheart, Victoria Curry and Billy Pulley Few people can say they’ve built a functional robotic arm in their lifetimes. The children aged 8-14 at the Lipscomb University and Nissan Engineering and Robotics Camp, however, will be able to say so by the end of the week. The students have four days to create a moving robotic arm that can pick up various items. They are building it entirely from over 100 individual parts, most as simple as screws and pieces of plastic. For many of the campers, this work satisfies a long interest in engineering and building. This is an especially unique experience for 12 of the campers, who come from underprivileged families living in Cayce Place, a low-income public housing facility in Nashville. They were provided tuition and transportation from Nashville free of charge. “My parents knew [this camp] was right up my alley because I like to put stuff together, take stuff apart, and program stuff,” said 12-year-old Andrew. “And so, my parents knew I’d like it.” “When I was a lot younger I used to imagine things I would want to build,” said Michael, 10. “I’ve been learning about gears and how they work.” The students are being taught about diverse aspects of robotics. “We’ve just been learning about gears and how things work and what robots are and what they’re not, and how to use tools,” Angela said. The counselors have noticed that the campers learn broader lessons, too. “[They learn to] try...