2014 STREAM Summer Camp by Ringgold STREAM Summer Camp

The Finch

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-24 13:31:11 UTC

Known colloquially and formally by its creators as "the finch" for its striking resemblance to the bird, this robot comes pre-assembled and connects to a computer via USB. Students are able to create sequences of commands that make it go forward, backward, and spin around using the MIT-developed Scratch program. The bot is also equipped with motion sensors, a thermometer, and a front LED that changes colors-all features can be integrated into the programming of the bot. (Image Courtesy: finchrobot.com)

What is STREAM?

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-24 13:32:54 UTC

STREAM is a stimulating one-week summer program available to students entering the sixth and seventh grade. The program is designed to let students see their full creative and artistic potential by working with robots designed by schools with the same idea in mind. STREAM stands for (S)cience, (T)echnology, (E)ngineering, (A)rt, and (M)ath.

Meet the Robots...

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-24 14:04:52 UTC

The Hummingbird Robotics Kit

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-24 14:12:49 UTC

Developed in the robotics labs at Carnegie Mellon University, the Hummingbird Robotics Kit is designed for students of all ages who are beginning a course in robots and electronics. Pictured below is the command center for the kit, which comes well-stocked with many electronics, including a microphone, light sensor, sound sensor, distance sensor, multiple LEDs, a vibration motor, and several DC motors and Servo engines for rotating parts. (Image Courtesy: hummingbirdkit.com)

Arts & Crafts with Hummingbird Kits

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-24 14:37:25 UTC

Creations like the one of famous physicist Albert Einstein seen below are just one of many created by students with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit. The two Servo engines provided with the kit are clearly visible behind the arms, so when a command is entered the arms will rotate back and forth. On the sign he is holding are several LEDs, which can be confgured to blink or change color on command. (Image Courtesy: gizmag.com)

Benefits of STREAM

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-24 14:57:59 UTC

From the helpers to the students, STREAM is a unique learning experience for all ages. With the constant arrival of new technologies and society's growing reliance on artificial intelligence and robots, STREAM paves the way for students that will pursue a future in technology-aided professions.

Pictures

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 13:25:41 UTC

Posted below are some pictures taken by helpers of the students working on the Finch and Hummingbird robots. Throughout the STREAM project, the students showed an honest effort of group work, creativity, and ingenuity. Clicking on smaller pictures will make them larger.

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 13:28:29 UTC

Two students contemplate the next sequence of movements for their Finch robot.

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 13:28:41 UTC

A greater perspective of the above photograph, the students are testing the Finch and its motion sensors. When the Finch reaches the obstacle at a certain proximity, it will either stop, turn around, or change direction depending on the command entered.

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 13:29:30 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 13:30:26 UTC

Mr. Nicklow, a science teacher at the middle school, is seen here helping two students.

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 13:33:46 UTC

The MIT-developed Scratch application was used to program the movements of the Finch robot. Students used pre-written tabs in a drag-and-drop format to create a sequence of movements for the robot.

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 13:42:42 UTC

Dueling Finches. Initiating moves like the one seen below was common among students.

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 13:46:07 UTC

Students ran around the gym following the moving Finches with their computers. At one point, USB extension cables became a necessity.

Arts and Crafts: Making a Nest for the Hummingbird

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 14:38:01 UTC

Considering that the Hummingbird kits come with nothing other than electronic components, the task of making a housing, or "nest" for the robot is usually left up to the creative minds of the students. Pictured below are some of their creations.

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 14:40:03 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 14:40:08 UTC

These students are really enthusiastic about their recreation of a popular cartoon character.

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 14:40:15 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 14:44:11 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 14:45:41 UTC

A STREAM camp helper assists a student with hot glue and wrapping paper.

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 14:45:45 UTC

Two other helpers station themselves at the hot glue depot.

External Links:

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-25 15:51:33 UTC

Learn more about what the STREAM camp is all about. The following links will take you to the websites of some of the orginazations involved.

http://www.ringgold.org

http://www.finchrobot.com/

http://www.scratch.mit.edu

http://www.hummingbirdkit.com/

http://www.ri.cmu.edu/

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:36:54 UTC

STREAM camp helpers attempt to log into the school's difficult server to print a poster.

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:38:34 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:38:38 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:38:42 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:38:46 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:38:49 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:38:53 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:39:12 UTC

The Finch Obstacle Course

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:46:06 UTC

In the early stages of development, the teachers thought it would be interesting to create an obstacle course for the Finch robots. The course was composed of a ramp, several cones to navigate around, a set of bowling pins to knock over, and it ended when a soccer ball went into a goal net. Smaller pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:47:38 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:47:39 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:47:52 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:50:33 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:50:47 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:51:03 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:54:02 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:54:17 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:54:26 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:54:31 UTC

.....and after!

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:54:35 UTC

Before.....

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:54:52 UTC

The enthusiastic Finch group eager to run their robots through the obstacle course.

Ringgold 2014 STREAM Summer Camp

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 15:59:31 UTC

Credits

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 16:00:08 UTC

All photos of students and projects were taken by STREAM camp helpers and teachers, most admirably the work of:

Ms. Coral Vedder

Maria Peccon

Katelyn Hill

Mr. Joshua Nicklow

Brandon Werner

Beau Stoioff

Webpage Design/Text:

Beau Stoioff

27 June, 2014

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 16:07:14 UTC

If you have any questions or comments about the webpage or the STREAM summer camp itself, please send all inquiries to ringgoldstream@gmail.com

ringgoldstream — 2014-06-26 16:23:55 UTC

ringgoldstream — 2015-06-18 12:33:20 UTC

The 2014 Stream Summer Camp and all its helpers would like to give a very special thanks to the Ringgold Rams Club for their contributions to this organization.