PONCA CITY – The University Center in Ponca City has announced its summer programming for younger students to run in conjunction with its summer higher education courses. The Phillips 66 CREATE Lab (Construction, Resource, Engineering and Technology Environment) inside the University Center will host up to 176 students entering fifth through eighth grade this summer.
Students will have the opportunity to pursue three different levels of LEGO robotics and computer coding beginning the week of June 3.
Each week-long session will begin the weeks of June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-21, July 8-12, July 15-19 and July 22-26. There are morning sessions from 9 a.m. to noon and afternoon sessions from 1 to 4 p.m. for even more accessibility for parents and students.
In the Level 1 academy, students will work collaboratively to learn the basics of computer coding and build a robot that can interpret computer code. Students will discover the basic mechanics of motors for movements and sensors to help the robot interact with its surroundings. Students will use the basic driving base and sensors to complete challenges such as: navigating through a maze, sensing colors, moving objects, creating a class synchronized dance and more! No prior experience necessary.
In the Level 2 academy, students will go beyond the basics of coding and mechanics to build robots and machines to complete complex tasks and challenges. Students will learn about the collection, storage and transfer of energy relating to renewable energy sources. Students will build and investigate various models to complete challenges like: converting wind energy into electricity, measuring solar energy through solar panels, making renewable energy sources more efficient, making vehicles that run using renewable energy, and more students should have completed the Level 1 course before enrolling in the Level 2 course.
Lastly in the UC’s LEGO Space Challenge academy, students will investigate , observe, calculate and apply problem-solving skills to make robots solve challenges related to space exploration. Students will use the driving base and sensors to complete challenges like: initiating a shuttle launch to Mars, setting up a satellite for communication, delivering a space crew to the base, rescuing the Mars rover robot and more. Students should have completed the Level 1 course before enrolling in the Space Challenge course.
Adam Leaming, CEO of the University Center, said, “With the help from Phillips 66 we have more than doubled our accessibility for students this summer. We want as many boys and girls this summer to take full advantage of these opportunities this summer. Don’t delay on registering as space is limited each week!”
Each week-long academy will be led by Britany Lawrence, the UC LEGO Robotics director. Lawrence has spent the year improving and designing this summer experience and creating two new week-long experiences. The slots for this summer will include 176 students over six weeks.
To learn more, visit the Ponca City University Center website at www.ucponcacity.com.
