Summer 2023
FIRST is more than robots; and we are more than FIRST.
The FIRST Robotics seasons last from late summer to mid-spring; after that, teams are left without competitions or, sometimes, without something technical at all. Superior STEAM is different; because we are a 4-H Club, and not just a robotics team or school class, we look for other STEAM competitions to compete in and/or plan trainings, lessons, and workshops for the summer.
Below is a list of the planned STEAM activities for the Summer of 2023.
2nd Annual STEAM Nights
The best way to know that you have learned something is to teach it to someone else. That is why our students will be creating and operating two, three-hour a night workshops for other students in our community. This will cover STEAM topics that the students have learned during their time in the club.
This will be held at the Sandy and Danny Daugherty Center for STEAM Excellence in the evening. Date TBD&A.
2nd Annual Open House
We are planning a one day Open House for our students to showcase their awesome projects and accomplishments to our community. Come see robots and other awesome projects created by the youth of Lawrence County!
Time and location TBD&A.
LEGO Spike Lessons
In preparation for next year's FIRST Lego League (FLL) season, we will be going through Sprike Prime's lessons in thier software.
If you are interested in FLL for next season or just wan to learn and have fun join us.
Indiana 4-H Robotics Competition
We have been asked by Indiana 4-H to create and help with a robotics competition for other 4-H members throughout the state. We will be working on and developing this project through the Spring to show at our county and state fair this summer.
If you are interested in competing in the 4-H Robotics Challenge email us or your local 4-H office.
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
After learning about 3D printing and drones, students will then learn about computer aided design software. Our club uses Onshape and Solidworks for our parametric CAD software.
Students will go through the below workshop and practice making the models. After practicing, they will design and print a keychain that they can take home with them. Students that wish can create a team and then design, or re-design, a drone to print and build.
3D Printing / Drone Building
We received a grant from IN-Mac last year that allowed us to buy a new 3D printer. We are using this to print, build, and program drones. This will (and has been used) in other areas of the club (FIRST Robotics teams, promotional items, etc.)
Students learn CAD, programming, fabricating, and other technical skills.
File Management & Proper Saving Techniques
We live in an ever computerized world. Knowing how to use a computer--its programs, applications, and hardware--properly is now an important life skill. That is why Superior STEAM has decided to show and teach the most important aspects of how to use a computer and how to manage the files that are on the computer.
What is File Management
File Management Best Practices
Examples of File Management
On Windows
- Mac OS can be covered for those who need it.
On Google Drive
Cloud Storage Services
What is the Cloud
Google Drive: An Example
Google Drive vs Google Docs
Manufacturing Tools and How to Use Them
Students that competed in the previous season of FIRST Tech Challenge, learned for the first time how to build something that was not Legos. This meant that they had to use tools that were foreign to them. This summer, we will be teaching how to use those tools before the season starts so students are knowledgeable and comfortable with them for competition season.
Topics include:
Allen wrenches, screwdrivers, ratchets, sockets, and other hand tools
Saws, drills, and other power tools
Bolts, screws, nuts, and other fasteners
Building and assembly methods
Prototyping to final product
Computer Systems
We live in an ever computerized world. Knowing how to use a computer--its programs, applications, and hardware--properly is now an important life skill. That is why Superior STEAM has decided to show and teach the most important aspects of how to use a computer and how to manage the files that are on the computer.
Topics include:
Proper start-up and shut down
The difference between shut down and sleep
Windows OS & UI
- Mac OS can be covered for those who need it.