For four days, robotics activities and challenges filled the IU School of Education, where local fourth through eighth graders participated in Robocamp. 

The goal of the camp was to get students familiar with Vex Robotics, one of the major robotics competitions. While many of the participants had experience with the competition, others did not. 

Professor Adam Maltese planned the camp, along with Mary Loveless from the Luddy School for Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Using resources from the Uplands Maker Mobile and MILL Makerspace to support the camp, along with coaching and robotics kits loaned from Binford Elementary, University Elementary, and TriNorth Middle School, Maltese said the camp gave an opportunity for students to engage in learning in an informal environment:

“(It) is really helpful for youth to explore different content and topics without some of the time and academic stresses of school. For me, this camp lets me put into practice some of the ideas that we learn about through our research on STEM engagement and failure.”

And from all indicators, participants agreed: Maltese heard from kids and parents saying they really enjoyed the camp and wished it was longer.