New STEM program by Texas A&M at Qatar is teaching robotics virtually to school students in Qatar
Published Sep 21, 2020
Continuing its online STEM@Home designed to develop STEM skills in Qatar’s school students during COVID-19, Texas A&M University at Qatar — a Qatar Foundation partner university — is offering a new program on robotics for students in grades 8-12.
The Virtual Robotics Games STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program is an integrated online learning workshop and competition organized and hosted by Texas A&M at Qatar to provide an opportunity for middle and high school students to explore the fundamentals of designing, building, programming and testing robots in a virtual environment — all from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Students in grades 8-12 will learn the basics of robot design, coding and simulation, and refine their ideas for a working robot in a virtual environment using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 virtual platform. Using state-of-the-art design and simulation software, participants will build a robot to complete the assigned mission. They will also present their designs to a panel of robotics experts.
Students will receive weekly online training sessions, and will be provided via videoconference and an online learning platform. Participants will need a computer and Internet access, and are expected to commit 4-6 hours per week. Participants will also need to purchase the simulation software license (QAR 100). Only students who complete submission of the weekly tasks will receive a certificate.
Texas A&M at Qatar dean Dr. César Octavio Malavé encouraged all STEM-minded students to commit to this extracurricular program to develop and enhance their school learning.
“Our mission of teaching and learning continues despite the circumstances we are living in due to the coronavirus pandemic,” Malavé said, “As engineering and education leaders in Qatar, Texas A&M at Qatar is uniquely positioned to be able to offer our expertise to school students to help them continue to learn and grow. We are proud to be able to support STEM learning in Qatar through our virtual programming.”
Interested students should apply for a spot in the program at stem.qa. Applications are due 21 Sept.