Thaddeus Stevens College Introduces Robots to Help Teach in Classrooms; Build STEM Awareness
Through Various Programs, Stevens Will Introduce STEM Fields To Thousands
LANCASTER, PA – In an effort to expand the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills and knowledge of students both college-aged and younger, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology has introduced two state-of-the-art robots as part of the institution’s manufacturing programs. This new initiative, called Building STEM Learning with Mobile Robotics emphasizes the importance of a technical education, while creating excitement in youth.
The two, human-like robots known as “Baxter” by the manufacturer, has been dubbed by Stevens students as Thad and Lydia, named after Thaddeus Stevens and his longtime confidant and Lancaster business owner Lydia Hamilton Smith. Thad and Lydia will be used to provide cross-program collaboration opportunities; to engage post-secondary remedial education students; and to excite and inspire K-8 children at an interactive science center.
“Robots can reach even tough-to-engage students,” commented College President William Griscom. “Not only will these machines allow our current students to develop and hone their skills for necessary areas in industry, but it will also engage students as young as kindergarten and introduce them to the STEM field.”
In addition to being used in the classrooms for programs such as Electro Mechanical Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, and Electrical Technology, the robots will also be on loan to the Lancaster Science Factor where over 11,000 K-8 students and caregivers will be exposed to them. In addition, Stevens plans to utilize the robots as part of their K-12 initiatives that includes the Adopt-a-Kindergarten program, summer camp experiences and after-school STEM related programs.
“Thad and Lydia present a unique, interactive opportunity for students of all ages to learn and explore the potential of robotics in manufacturing and technical fields,” stated President Griscom. “If we can engage students at an early age, we can also sustain the manufacturing industry and cultivate the highly skilled employees needs by the industry.”
The purchase of these two robots is made possible by funders such as the Alcoa Foundation, TE Connectivity, United States Department of Labor/Employment Training Agency/TAACCCT, Cargas Education Fund, ONExia, Inc., Rethink Robotics, Lancaster County Community Foundation, Dart Corporate Foundation and through collaborative partners such as the Lancaster Science Factory.