This fall, our STEM Leadership Corps Scholars are learning about robotics. They are combining electronics and mechanical engineering with hands-on projects. In the fifth session of the 2024 series, Scholars explored robotics in STEM Leadership Corps through hands-on work with Raspberry Pi Pico microrollers and sensors. These tools will power the robots they are building.

Robotics in STEM Leadership Corps: Learning with Sensors and Microrollers

The session started with an introduction to Raspberry Pi Pico microrollers. These small but powerful devices control how robots move. Scholars learned how microrollers work with other parts to help robots perform tasks.

Next, Scholars took part in a hands-on lab. They worked with:

• Temperature Sensors to measure changes in heat.
• Ultrasonic Sensors to measure distance using sound waves.

Each Scholar connected the sensors to the Pico, wrote Python code to collect data, and tested their setups. This gave them a chance to solve problems and improve their understanding of robotics.

Why Sensors Are Important

Sensors are how robots “sense” the world. Temperature sensors can help robots monitor heat. Ultrasonic sensors help robots avoid obstacles. Scholars learned how sensors are used in real-world technology, like climate tools and self-driving cars.

This lab helped Scholars see how these tools are used in robotics. It also gave them ideas for their own robot designs.

Preparing for Final Projects

This session is one step toward building their robots. In future sessions, Scholars will design and build robots that use the sensors they worked with. Robotics in STEM Leadership Corps allows Scholars to learn real-world applications of robotics technology.

Each Scholar is learning how to solve complex problems. They are gaining confidence and working together to create exciting projects.

Making STEM Meaningful

As always, we link STEM lessons to real-world issues. Scholars talked about how sensors can be used in areas like renewable energy and environmental protection. This helps them see how their work can make a difference.

The STEM Leadership Corps is about learning and leadership. Scholars are not just learning about robotics—they are learning skills they can use in the future.

What’s Next?

We are proud of our Scholars for their hard work and curiosity. They are making great progress in robotics and teamwork. We can’t wait to see the robots they will create.

Stay tuned for updates as the Scholars continue their journey!