Robotics Program

Now accepting students for the 2008 program! Please see details below.

The Robotics Program provides students the opportunity to strengthen their existing knowledge of math, science and technology through a curriculum focused on teaching beginning to intermediate engineering. The Robotics Program is an enrichment curriculum designed to be highly competitive and challenging for students. It requires students to work in small teams with their peers as well as with Tech Challenge Mentors (professional volunteers from diverse backgrounds in the high tech industry or members of engineering clubs/associations).

With the guidance of Tech Challenge Mentors, students:

• study and learn the field of engineering
• develop leadership skills
• practice effective team building
• develop project management skills
• build projects using various forms of technology
• conduct internet based research
• learn how to compete in a healthy and productive manner

Students in grades 5-8 have the opportunity to enter their project in the Tech Museum of Innovation’s annual Tech Challenge competition! By being a part of this competition, students continue to nurture their creative thinking skills and test their innovative product in a highly visible event!

All curriculum material is specially designed by TSCC. Each year, TSCC works in partnership with the Tech Museum of Innovation and experienced Tech Challenge Mentors from previous years to help shape the direction our curriculum. Our classes are taught by a combination of staff and Tech Challenge Mentors.

Curriculum Overview

Technology component – teaches students to understand the dynamics of competitive team projects as they learn about opportunities in engineering (robotics) and to use their creative thinking skills to develop innovative solutions to mechanical challenges. This intensive technology driven curriculum involves student teams mentored by volunteers from the Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES) and our high tech partners including volunteer from Applied Materials and Seagate Technology, who assist students as they prepare their projects, experiment with different forms of technology, and develop innovative creations to address complex global issues. In 2007, students built rovers that could withstand a 30 foot fall and scale up the side a crater (simulating a mars rover landing). In 2008, students will explore alternative energy.

Leadership component – teaches students how to take initiative through a participatory group process focused on developing leadership skills, testing student’s ability to work effectively as a team, and raises their awareness of current breakthroughs in technology by demonstrating how advances in technology can help solve societal issues. Students learn to take initiative, and develop presentation skills, and become leaders.

Tech Challenge – Student in grades 5-8 will have the opportunity to participate in the annual Tech Challenge competition held at the Tech Museum of Innovation. Younger students, not yet eligible to compete, provide peer support and encouragement to the older youth. The students participating in this competition learn the responsibilities of what it means to be a role model for younger students, learn how to learn from failure and how to achieve success.

Hours of Operation

Saturdays from January 12 to May 3, 2008

Eligibility

Our classes are open to students in grades 5–8 (middle school).

How to Enroll

An enrollment application with parental (or legal guardian) permission is required. In addition, a nominal $10 enrollment fee will apply to cover basic program costs. Limited scholarships are available eligible low income children and youth.

For program information or questions, please contact Nalleli Sandoval at 408.295.8722 ext. 303.

Nonprofit Organizations Serving High Risk Youth

In 2007, Third Street Community Center is reserving space for nonprofit organizations in Santa Clara County who serve highly at-risk youth in grades 5-8 and who wish to partner with TSCC for this project. At-risk youth often do not have opportunities to participate academic enrichment activities such as a Robotics Program.

At-risk youth are defined as: Students who face multiple barriers to success whether academically or because of social emotional issues. This includes youth with incarcerated parents, youth who are dependents of the court, and SED youth.

Interested nonprofits serving at-risk youth (as defined by TSCC) will be required to sign an MOU with the Third Street Community Center prior to enrolling students. As a pilot project, participation from our partner agencies will be required in order to fully address any behavioral issues which may present themselves.

Please contact Rosemary Baez for details. Space is limited.