About This Activity
Junior Robot Engineer is a hands-on S.T.E.A.M. camp designed for children ages 6 to 8 that introduces the fundamentals of robotics, simple machines, and electricity. Simple Machines & Engineering: Campers explore mechanical advantage by using K'NEX kits to build working models of hammers, balances, and an Archimedes' screw, learning about effort force, load force, and fulcrums. Circuitry & Electricity: Using Science Wiz Electricity Kits and a human "energy stick," participants learn how to close series and parallel circuits, build custom paperclip switches, and experiment to identify electrical insulators and conductors. DIY Motorized Bots: Young engineers build their own miniature robots using basic motors and everyday items, including a vibrating toothbrush "Bristle Bot" and a scribbling "Art Bot" that they test and modify with assorted items to manipulate its balance and movement. RC Snap Rovers (Yours to Keep!): Campers assemble and modify remote-controlled rovers throughout the week, building a "Two Sound Rover," a "Night Rover" to navigate in the dark, and using their rover's circuitry to test the electrical resistance of distilled versus salt water, culminating in a final obstacle course race. Best of all, campers get to take their RC Snap Rover home at the end of the week to race, rebuild, and continue their engineering journey long after camp ends.
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