Robots Invade Birmingham Public Schools

Students and their families are invited to a family night event sure to spark an interest in robotics on Friday, Nov. 9. Students will begin the day with STEM (Science, technology, engineering and math) activities and hands-on projects with mentors from Oakland University.

In the evening, families are invited to learn more about robotics and STEM during a special family night event at the Robot Garage from 5-7:30 p.m.

“Our Seaholm High School physics students and mentors from Oakland University will work with BPS seventh grade students at three different stations,” said Jennifer Gottlieb, Birmingham Public Schools Science Coordinator. “This is an opportunity for our students to find mentors and grow their knowledge of robotics and the STEM field.”

During the day, students will experience three different stations: a robotics event in the gym that simulates a robotics competition; and two hands-on robotics projects that will be facilitated by the Oakland University Engineering Outreach Program. In the evening Robot Garage will continue the fun with a special free family night event from 5:00-7:30 p.m.  This special evening is for all BPS Middle School Families.

The Birmingham Education Foundation, along with BPS and Oakland University will host this district-wide 7th grade Robotics Day. This event continues the year long exploration into Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

“I enjoy being able to build something and then see it in action,” said Seaholm’s team co-captain, Olivia Miller, a junior and third year veteran of OCCRA competitions who is considering engineering as a career.

The Birmingham Robotics team includes students from Seaholm and Groves high schools. Most students are juniors or seniors, and have enrolled in the Automation Robotics course after completing two prerequisite semesters of Engineering Technology. Both high schools also offer an advanced Automation & Robotics course.

The Birmingham OCCRA Regional competition will run from 6 to 9 p.m. in Seaholm High School’s gymnasium, located at 2436 W. Lincoln in Birmingham. Birmingham’s Robotic Team is led by instructor Bernie Simms. For more information please contact him via email at: bs03bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us