NASA Robotics Team kicks off outreach with Sphero Program at Akron-Summit County Public Library
The University of Akron's NASA Robotics Design Team launched its first outreach event of the semester on October 5, 2024, at the Akron-Summit County Public Library. Engaging 42 students from grades 2 through 5, the team introduced the fundamentals of robotics, coding and autonomy using Sphero Mini robots. Thirteen UA team members led students through an interactive lesson designed to spark excitement about programming.
This marks the first time the NASA Robotics Design Team has spearheaded a fully student-led outreach program. Vice President and electrical engineering student Faith Stewart played a pivotal role in developing the event’s curriculum, which is part of a broader initiative to bring STEM concepts to the community. Stewart has designed three custom programs for future outreach efforts, including the "Living on the Moon" program, which highlights the NASA Artemis mission and a hands-on electrical engineering workshop featuring soldering kits.
The event followed a structured lesson plan, beginning with a demonstration of the Sphero robot navigating obstacles autonomously. Students were encouraged to share their prior knowledge of coding and robotics, sparking dialogue between the young participants and members of the NASA Robotics software team. The team used a presentation to explain how programming is essential in everyday technologies like Teslas and Roombas and how it plays a critical role in NASA missions.
Students then explored block programming, learning key concepts such as variables, loops, logic and sensors—elements essential for controlling Sphero robots. Working in small groups, they mapped out strategies before programming their robots to navigate space-themed 3D-printed obstacle courses. NASA Robotics members provided guidance throughout while a cheat sheet with coding basics helped students along the way.
To cap off the day, students were rewarded with prizes and 3D-printed obstacles for successfully completing their tasks and answering questions about what they had learned. Surveys were also distributed to help the team improve future outreach events.
“Our goal is to inspire the next generation of engineers by giving students the opportunity to explore robotics and coding,” said Stewart. “By connecting with students who may not have had exposure to STEM, we’re hoping to ignite their passion for technology and innovation.”
The NASA Robotics Team is dedicated to making STEM education accessible and exciting through events like this, empowering the engineers of tomorrow.
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Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.