Teachers and students expand their robotics skills together in new K-12 STEM program
Description
Supported by the National Science Foundation as part of its commitment to preparing future generations for STEM-related careers and rapidly changing work environments, the Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program at NYU Tandon centers on robotics and engineering design, as well as entrepreneurship, to help teachers develop their own technical skills and spearhead robotics curricula and after-school programs at their schools.
Led by Vikram Kapila, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, the ITEST program brought together teachers and students from 12 high schools across New York. They spent their summer working with Arduino (an open-source electronics platform), mobile robots, sensors, motors, and electronics; participated in structured learning in subjects like mechatronics, physics, and electronics; and tested their design prowess in building a fully-functioning robotic vehicle.