Introduction to STEM Fields Through Robotics: A Synergetic Learning Experience for Students and Their Parents

This work demonstrates the success of an initiative to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in 19 school districts that are predominantly Hispanic and have high numbers of students who come from low income households. An innovative method of community involvement as part of the program’s Community Engagement strand, this program provided a unique opportunity for both students and parents while developing STEM awareness. Through a synergetic summer learning experience, students and parents spent an entire weekend learning about STEM fields and participating in prepared exercises while bonding in the experience of post-secondary life as they stayed in the university dormitories. This program was funded by the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), a federal discretionary grant awarded by the U. S. Department of Education. It was designed to increase the enrollment of low-income students — simultaneously preparing them for success in post-secondary education — through a partnership grant between Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) and 19 school districts throughout the southern part of Texas, covering approximately 14,972 square miles. To enhance skills, motivation, and preparation, the TAMIU GEAR UP program brought over 225 rising 9 th grade students and one of their parents — for a total of 450 participants — over 4 weekend periods to participate in a Friday-Sunday STEM camp with an emphasis on robotics. The highlights of the STEM workshop ranged from hardware and software programming of a LEGO robot to astronomy and additional STEM hands on activities. The program’s evaluation demonstrated that nearly all participants agree or strongly agree that they gained knowledge, increased interest in secondary education, increased interest in postsecondary education, believe the learning goals of the program are important, and are eager to attend future GEAR UP events like the one hosted. It is strongly recommended that follow-up of students that attended the camp are followed-up and tracked to maintain record of their status. Also, based on evaluations recommendations from parents, it is recommended to include more sessions to parents on how to encourage kids earning a higher education degree. Nonetheless, the positive results encourage development of STEM programs within the community which will reciprocally benefit from its young members’ advancement in these fields.