Middle school students from across Allen Parish are learning to code, build and program robots this summer as part of a special STEM and Robotics Camp.

The weeklong camp allows the students to experience hands-on learning with programs designed to pique their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to Allen Parish School Board Career and Technical Education Supervisor Kim Rider.

“We are focusing on problem solving, critical thinking and team building while

strengthening their skills and interest in STEM,” Rider said.

Using the STEM design process, students are challenged to design, assemble and program their own robots from kits. Students are also challenged to identify and overcome any problems that occur.

Rider said the camp gives students a chance to use their hands and their minds to build something.

Students are learning to program the robots to perform various tasks, including picking up objects and moving in designated areas without hitting other objects.

“Our goal is to wholeheartedly provide opportunities for the student to discover what STEM is and learn how to improve team building, critical thinking and problem solving so they can translate that into learning all the avenues of the STEM fields because our world is based on technology,” Rider said.

Brentlee Laird, a seventh-grader at Elizabeth High School, is among the students participating in the camp who has an interest in robots and engineering.

“I have learned how to build a robot and that you can build a robot with only two motors,” Laird said. “I’ve also learned to code.”

William Wright, a seventh-grader at Kinder Middle School, said he has always been fascinated by robots, but never had the opportunity to build one.

“I found out I am not very good at coding, but I am good at building stuff with metal,” Wright said, adding that he wants to have his own robot company someday.

Justice Johnson, a seventh-grader at Oakdale Middle School, is excited about learning how to program and design a robot.

“The fun part is getting to see the robot really work and knowing you were a part of it,” she said. “With coding you have to learn how to program the robot and make it move, which has been a bit of a challenge.”

Bowen Burnett, a seventh-grader at Reeves High School, likes the engineering part of the project.

“I like the fact that we have to use coding to make the robot go in the direction we choose,” he said.

Tristian Thomas, a seventh-grader at Oakdale Middle School, is eager to accept the challenge of battling his robot against the other campers.

“I put extra armor on it so it should be able to take it without flipping over,” Thomas said.

Thomas said he wanted to attend the camp because he likes knowing how things are built and how they work. He also has an interest in robots.