Chances are, you’re already participating in daily STEM activities
like cooking, exercising, recycling and a host of others you might
not suspect! We use engaging activities like these to illustrate important scientific concepts that affect our everyday lives and break them down to what they really are – FUN! Here’s a short list of some great Y-STEM activities:

For more information and/or a listing of current Y-STEM program offerings near you, please view the program schedule for your nearest Family Center Y. Additonal questions can be directed to Randall Ziman at randallziman@ymaryland.org. 

First® LEGO® League

Each fall, the Y facilitates teams that compete in FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL). FLL empowers youth to combine what they’ve learned in the classroom with the latest technologies to solve a yearly themed challenge and complete a research project based on the same theme, all while demonstrating support of the core values. Through the FLL season, students experience first-hand how abstract concepts become concrete solutions.

Each team of up to 10 participants (ages 9-14*) work with an adult coach and other mentors to:
• Research a real-world issue presented in the Challenge
• Design, build, and program an autonomous robot using LEGO® MINDSTORMS technologies
• Research and solve a problem faced by real-world scientists and present their solutions
• Compete in friendly, sports-like tournaments with the knowledge that what is discovered is
   more important than what is won.
• Proudly celebrate their teams’ accomplishments

Currently, teams are planned to compete in the 2012 challenge (Senior Solutions) at the Dancel, Parkville and Ward Family Center Ys.

* To be eligible, a child cannot be older than age 14 on January 1st of the year the challenge is announced.
 

S²E²: Simple Science and Everyday Engineering

Participants can become a scientist or engineer with our collection of hands-on experiments and demonstrations like making silly putty, exploring atom models, building a balloon rocket, engineering a boat and designing a flinker (an object that neither floats nor sinks). These experiments are designed to help plant the seed in the minds of our youth that becoming a scientist or engineer is not only possible, but exciting!
 

Scratch: A Creative Approach to Computers

Scratch focuses on using computers/programming to support creative endeavors. Participants are introduced to Scratch, a basic programming language created by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at MIT that can be used to create interactive stories, animations, games, music videos and graphic art – all of which can be shared on the web! 

When learning Scratch, participants will work through the following levels:
• Level 1: Introduction to programming
• Level 2: Arts – designing frames and incorporating sounds and sequences
• Level 3: Stories – building on art skills to create scenes and narratives
• Level 4: Games – build interactive projects that are guided goals and rules
• Level 5: Independent project – combine all previously learned skills to create a new and  
   exciting project

In the midst of all the fun, youth learn important mathematical and computational ideas, while learning to think creatively, reason systematically and work collaboratively.

Learn more about Scratch and see projects created by kids at scratch.mit.edu.
 

COMING SOON - Themed Robotics Workshops

After completing a workshop covering the basics of building and programming robots, participants will be able to select from various themed workshops based on their interest and level of expertise. Themes include activities like dancing robots and sumo bots. More information coming soon!

For more information on any of our Y-STEM summer programs, please consult our 2012 Summer at the Y brochure which is located on our camp web pages. Additional questions can be directed to Randall Ziman at randallziman@ymaryland.org.  

Summer Robotics Specialty Camp - Level 1/Beginner (SR-1)

Enter the world of robotics with a hands-on approach to programming for beginners. Participants will assemble LEGO NXT MINDSTORM® robots with a partner or small team and then program the robot to navigate obstacles and complete simple missions. No experience necessary. Learn more.
 

Summer Robotics Specialty Camp – Level 2/Intermediate (SR-2)

Take programming to the next level. In another hands-on approach, participants will use more advanced features of the LEGO NXT MINDSTORM® kit and programming platform. Activities include learning to use multiple and more varied sensors, incorporating functional LEGO attachments to the base robot and more in-depth programming. This program is designed to build on beginner level knowledge/skills and is best taken after participation in SR-1. Learn more.
 

STEM Extravaganza Specialty Camp (STM)

For the true science enthusiast! Build and program LEGO NXT MINDSTORM® robots, explore atom models, build a balloon rocket, engineer a boat, and design a flinker (an object that neither floats nor sinks). Activities are combined with fun fitness and game challenges!

This program combines the skills and activities from SR-1 and SR-2 with components of the Simple Science and Everyday Engineering program to create a week long offering of full days. The program remains the same from week to week and is designed for enrollment for one, not multiple, sessions. Learn more.

Volunteers 

The Y is currently pursuing volunteers to work in conjunction with our Y-STEM programs. Volunteering can take a variety of forms including speaking to small groups, assisting with hands-on projects, opening up labs for field trips, mentoring, hosting open houses, etc. We believe that by introducing youth to adults who are involved in STEM fields, their interest and proficiency can only increase, ultimately growing the chance for youth to pursue STEM related degrees and careers. 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with our Y-STEM programs, contact Randall Ziman at randallziman@ymaryland.org to submit your contact information and some points of interest on how you'd like to share your time. 
 

Our Partners 

We thank our partners for working with us to provide fun, exciting, hands-on
Y-STEM activities. They share in our goal to enrich the lives of youth through education and exposure to science, technology, engineering and math.    

• Let’s Go Boys & Girls
• FIRST LEGO League
• Baltimore Museum of Industry