Enrichment Programs & Camps
Overview
Odyssey S.T.E.M. Institute's enrichment program is a tactile makerspace for experientially-focused enlightenment and is appropriate for those seeking to discover, develop and evolve in their affinity for robotics. Our camp is an immersive, unconventional experience that challenges individuals to lean into their natural inquisitiveness through mindful strategies and merges S.T.E.M. subject matters with meaningful, engaging recreational activities. We incorporate social-emotional well-being by igniting one's confidence, self-awareness, growth mindset, respect, empathy and agency to make responsible decisions. At Odyssey S.T.E.M. Institute, individuals will explore digital 3D schematics, observe, manipulate and propagate a robot's behavior and utilize block-based and text-based coding. All content covered is in alignment with national standards: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts (CCSS ELA), Common Core State Standards Math (CCSS Math), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) and/or International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
Objectives & Skills
Individuals will attain essential skills and gain exposure to new and advanced technologies by exploring robotics kits to build, test and program robots while fortifying their skillset in physics and electromagnetism, sensors and electronics, coding and the engineering design process. This program is structured as a continuum and perfect for individuals whose programming knowledge range from novice to expert level. We will explore topics and skills such as:
• Introduction to Computer Science & Mechanical Engineering Principles
• Understanding & Application of the Engineering Design Loop
• Technical Troubleshooting Skills
• Teaming & Leadership Skills
• Presentation & Communication Skills
Benefits of Cognitive Development
Applying skills in robotics and coding has potential benefits to cognitive development backed by clinical research and scholarly journals. Some potential benefits include, but not limited to:
• Improves computational skills including visuospatial working memory as well as logical and abstract reasoning skills.
• Improves organization abilities, attention span/focus on learning activities and cognitive processing speed.
• Activates the learning centers of the brain and regions such as the Wernicke’s and Broca’s area which is responsible for language processing and the prefrontal cortex which is responsible for working memory and problem-solving.
• Improves perception of detail; we as humans possess the ability to decode messages “As lnog as the frsit and lsat ltetrs are in the rhgit poitson” whereas computers do not because we see the bigger picture and computers focus on granular details. Thus, our perception of detail improves as we write successful code.
