STEAM Education & Robotics Workshops

Program Overview

A comprehensive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education initiative focused on developing technical skills, fostering innovation, and inspiring the next generation of engineers and technologists through hands-on robotics and electronics workshops.

Role & Leadership

STEAM Program Leader & Mentor - Leading educational initiatives and student development:

• Designed and delivered robotics workshops and training programs
• Mentored students in technical projects and competitions
• Organized and facilitated STEAM events and demonstrations
• Developed curriculum and teaching materials
• Coordinated team participation in national competitions
• Promoted innovation and creative problem-solving

Program Components

1. Robotics Training Program

Objective: Build foundational robotics skills from basics to competition level

Curriculum Structure

Level 1: Introduction to Robotics (4 weeks)

• Basic electronics and circuits
• Introduction to microcontrollers
• Simple motor control
• Sensor fundamentals
• Building first robot

Level 2: Intermediate Robotics (6 weeks)

• Advanced sensor integration
• Programming control algorithms
• Mechanical design principles
• Power management
• Line following and maze solving

Level 3: Competition Preparation (8 weeks)

• Competition rule analysis
• Strategy development
• Advanced programming techniques
• Robot optimization
• Team coordination and practice

Teaching Methods

• Hands-on building sessions
• Interactive demonstrations
• Peer learning and collaboration
• Challenge-based learning
• Iterative design process

2. Electronics Workshops

Focus Areas: Practical electronics skills for project development

Workshop Topics

Introduction to Electronics

• Understanding voltage, current, and resistance
• Reading circuit diagrams
• Breadboarding techniques
• Using multimeters and basic tools
• Safety practices

Microcontroller Programming

• Arduino platform introduction
• C/C++ programming basics
• Digital and analog I/O
• Serial communication
• Library usage and documentation

Sensor Integration

• Types of sensors and applications
• Signal conditioning
• Calibration procedures
• Data interpretation
• Practical applications

PCB Design Basics

• Schematic capture
• PCB layout fundamentals
• Design for manufacturing
• Prototyping techniques

3. Project-Based Learning

Philosophy: Learn by doing real projects

Featured Projects

Smart Home Prototype

• Students design and build smart home systems
• Integration of multiple sensors and actuators
• Home automation concepts
• IoT connectivity
• User interface design

Agricultural Technology

• Sensor-based agriculture projects
• Automated irrigation systems
• Environmental monitoring
• Data analysis and decision making
• Sustainability concepts

Assistive Technology

• Projects addressing real-world accessibility needs
• Ethical technology considerations
• User-centered design
• Testing with target users
• Social impact awareness

4. Competition Preparation

Competitions Coached

World Robot Olympiad (WRO)

• Robot design and construction
• Programming autonomous behaviors
• Strategy development
• Team coordination
• Competition day preparation

Agricultural Robotics Challenges

• Understanding agricultural problems
• Designing robotic solutions
• Field testing and iteration
• Presentation skills
• Innovation showcase

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow

• Problem identification
• Solution development
• Prototype creation
• Pitch preparation
• Leadership development

Key Achievements

Student Success Stories

Competition Results

• 3 teams reached WRO national finals
• 1 team won Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Costa Rica
• 5+ teams participated in agricultural robotics challenges
• Multiple awards for innovation and teamwork

Skill Development

• 50+ students trained in robotics basics
• 25+ students reached advanced programming level
• 15+ students completed full competition preparation
• 10+ student-led independent projects

Academic Impact

• Improved STEM subject performance
• Increased engineering career interest
• Enhanced problem-solving abilities
• Developed collaboration skills

Program Growth

Participation Metrics

• Year 1: 20 students, 2 workshops
• Year 2: 50 students, 6 workshops, 3 competitions
• Year 3 (current): 70+ students, 10+ workshops, 5+ competitions

Community Engagement

• 5+ school demonstrations
• 3 community STEAM fairs
• Parent engagement events
• Local media coverage

Resource Development

• Created 20+ training modules
• Developed 15+ project guides
• Built reusable robot platforms
• Established parts inventory system

Teaching Philosophy

Core Principles

1. Hands-On Learning

• Build first, theory follows
• Learn from mistakes
• Iterative improvement
• Tangible results

2. Student-Centered Approach

• Adapt to different learning styles
• Encourage questions and curiosity
• Support individual project interests
• Foster independent learning

3. Real-World Relevance

• Projects address actual problems
• Industry best practices
• Career pathway awareness
• Social impact consideration

4. Collaboration & Teamwork

• Group projects and challenges
• Peer mentoring
• Communication skills
• Leadership opportunities

5. Innovation Mindset

• Encourage creative solutions
• Accept and learn from failure
• Think beyond the obvious
• Continuous improvement

Program Structure

Weekly Schedule

Monday-Wednesday: Technical Workshops

• 2-hour sessions
• Hands-on activities
• Skill building exercises
• Individual/group projects

Thursday: Team Project Time

• 3-hour sessions
• Competition preparation
• Long-term project work
• Mentor guidance

Friday: Demonstrations & Sharing

• Project presentations
• Knowledge sharing
• Feedback sessions
• Planning next steps

Seasonal Activities

Spring: Foundation Building

• New student onboarding
• Basic skills workshops
• Team formation
• Project planning

Summer: Intensive Programs

• Advanced workshops
• Competition preparation
• External mentors and speakers
• Field trips to tech companies

Fall: Competition Season

• Final preparations
• Practice competitions
• Strategy refinement
• Competition participation

Winter: Innovation & Reflection

• Independent project time
• Reflection on learning
• Planning for next year
• Community demonstrations

Mentoring Approach

Individual Mentorship

• One-on-one guidance for advanced students
• Career counseling and pathway planning
• Project ideation and development
• Competition coaching

Peer Mentoring Program

• Advanced students mentor beginners
• Leadership skill development
• Knowledge retention through teaching
• Community building

Industry Connections

• Guest speakers from engineering fields
• Company visits and tours
• Internship opportunities
• Professional network building

Skills Taught

Technical Skills

• Electronics and circuit design
• Programming (Arduino, Python)
• Robotics and automation
• 3D design and printing
• Problem-solving methodologies
• Documentation and reporting

Soft Skills

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Communication and presentation
• Time management
• Critical thinking
• Leadership
• Resilience and perseverance

Competition Skills

• Strategy development
• Performance under pressure
• Sportsmanship
• Presentation and pitching
• Team coordination

Impact Metrics

Student Outcomes

• Technical Proficiency: 90% of participants meet learning objectives
• Competition Success: 60% of teams reach regional/national levels
• Career Interest: 75% express increased interest in STEM careers
• Confidence: Significant improvement in self-reported technical confidence

Program Recognition

• Featured in school newsletter and website
• Local news coverage of competition successes
• Partnership with industry sponsors
• Model program for other schools

Future Vision

Program Expansion

• Reach more students through online resources
• Establish alumni network
• Create advanced specialization tracks
• Develop partnerships with universities

Curriculum Development

• AI and machine learning modules
• Advanced manufacturing techniques
• Professional certification paths
• Entrepreneurship integration

Community Impact

• Outreach to underserved schools
• Scholarship programs
• Public STEM awareness campaigns
• Open-source educational resources

Resources Developed

Documentation

• 20+ detailed lesson plans
• Student project templates
• Competition preparation guides
• Safety protocols and procedures
• Assessment rubrics

Digital Resources

• Video tutorials and demonstrations
• Online code repository
• 3D printable parts library
• Presentation slides and materials

Physical Resources

• 10+ reusable robot kits
• Complete electronics lab setup
• 3D printing station
• Project component inventory

Recognition & Certifications

• EBOX-I2 STEAM Program Completion - CTP Don Bosco (2024)
• AgriSTEAM Program - IICA (2024)
• Workshop Facilitator - Multiple STEAM events
• Student Leadership Award - Outstanding mentorship

This program demonstrates commitment to education, leadership in STEAM initiatives, and passion for inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators through hands-on, meaningful learning experiences.