![\"IMG_0645](\"http:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/IMG_0645-opening-ceremony.jpg\")
<\/a>They would have all day to showcase their robots\u2019 skills. It was time for the students to show off their dancing skills, taking turns in the middle of a circle that spontaneously formed near the main stage.<\/p>\nThe official ribbon cutting by Superintendent Aaron Spence and division administrators had yet to open the STEM Robotics & Maker Challenge, but the celebration was already well underway.<\/p>\n
The event held June 12 was the culmination of a yearlong Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative that engages students in grades K-12 in afterschool STEM robotics activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that there is a critical need for a skilled, professional STEM workforce, and it is thrilling to see so many of our students engaged in instruction and activities that strengthen their skills and open their eyes to potential STEM-related careers,\u201d said Spence. \u201cThis citywide event provides yet another opportunity for our students to challenge themselves and apply what they\u2019ve learned, and I am grateful to staff and volunteers who have supported their work all year.\u201d<\/p>\n The Maker Challenge was added to this year\u2019s competition and featured students\u2019 3-D printing and entrepreneurship skills. Student finalists from the division\u2019s Maker Expo in February presented their original 3-D printed products and discussed their business plans with judges. Next year, a Cybersecurity Challenge will be a new component at the annual event.<\/p>\n<\/a>Joining the more than 200 elementary, middle and high school student teams were hundreds of adult advisers, volunteers and judges. Also on-site to participate in the fun were representatives from the event\u2019s \u201cSustaining Partners\u201d – STIHL, CONCOA, SAIC and ALCOA – and other event sponsors such as the American Society of Naval Engineering, From One Hand to Another, Virginia Beach Schools Federal Credit Union, Virginia Beach Economic Development, Opportunity Inc. and DJ Precise.<\/p>\n<\/a>This year\u2019s STEM Robotics challenge, \u201cBaxter on the Boardwalk,\u201d featured the board game Monopoly and Baxter the Robot, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) robot the division purchased in 2014 as a STEM teaching and research tool. Students had to control robots they made and place miniature Baxters in select spaces on a Monopoly-style board in five minutes or less. Teams earned points for the successful completion of various placements.<\/p>\n