About a dozen kids learned a bit more about robots during a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program at the Sherburne County Government Center Tuesday.
Guided by expert tech Dan Oelke, the kids used kits to assemble two types of robots - a mini robot that moved using vibration, and a second, larger robot that propelled itself on “whegs” - wheeled legs.
The program was one a handful of activities the Sherburne County STEM Club does each year.
“We do all kinds of events in STEM,” said club leader Jenni Fuchs. “We have about six events a year. The rest of the time we specialize in robotics - First Lego League and First Tech Challenge Robotics.”
Some of the other projects include making bridges from wood, building a marble run, building rockets and creating a Rube Goldberg device.
“At the county fair in July we’ll have rocket launch,” said Fuchs. “We’ll test the bridges they built for weight capacity, and we’ll have a Rube Goldberg team competition.”
Most of the projects are for kids eight and older, but there have been even younger kids at some of the events.
There are about 20 students in the STEM Club, and even though it’s 4-H sponsored, anyone, even non-4-H members and non-county residents can join by calling the Sherburne County 4-H office.
The rocket launch at the fair takes place July 23 at 10 a.m. The bridge testing takes place later that day at 2 p.m.
Anyone interested in learning more about STEM Club is invited to attend the club’s next meeting 7 p.m. Aug. 1 in the Pine Room at the Government Center.
