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 During the final week of the California State Fair at Cal Expo in Sacramento, 3 students from SIATech/SJCC Sacramento -Johnny Campbell, Nicholas Goodwin and Charles Vann- and students from the Treasure Island Job Corps campus had the opportunity to demonstrate innovative robots and technology used as part of SIATech Sacramento’s Robotics Club.  Students designed, built and operated small programmable robots using the VEX Robotics system while volunteering at the VEX Robotics booth (www.vexrobotics.org).  The VEX Robotics System allows students to apply Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills learned in the classroom and their trade areas to create unique machines built to perform specific tasks.  The students readily accepted the chance to participate in this high profile public outreach opportunity.  Interest from the public was intense with large crowds gathered around the exhibit throughout the day. 

SIATech Sacramento Robotics Club member Charles Vann, who studies Carpentry at SJCC, noted that, “People were excited about the robots and thought they were cool.  Kids were really interested, but the parents liked them too.  We allowed everyone to try out the robots.”  SIATech Sacramento Robotics Club member Johnny Campbell, who studies Office Administration at SJCC, stated that, “An adult who said he couldn’t work a cell phone was even having fun controlling the robots.” Since one of the main goals of the Robotics Club is to make the use and application of STEM skills accessible to all, the positive audience reaction is an indicator that our students were successful in creating projects that stimulated the public’s imagination and perhaps motivated more than a few parents to get their own children involved with STEM programs and Robotics at their local schools.  As SIATech Sacramento Robotics Club member Nicholas Goodwin, also a Carpentry student at SJCC,   indicated, “For anyone interested in tinkering, or anyone who thinks they may be inclined towards engineering, math, science, computers, or who just likes to be creative and hands-on, VEX and Robotics is a fantastic way to meet new friends and colleagues, and have a fun and educational experience.”

If you are interested in videos and links about the SIATech Sacramento Robotics club, click here. Thomas Mays the Robotics instructor for SIATech.