The team is for homeschool students, and practices take place in a classroom setting on the SCC campus, held from noon-2 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 1-May 30. The cost for this 16-week class is $219.
“Students will discover the fun of science and technology while building and programming robots using Lego Mindstorm technologies,” said Amy Fitzwilliam, program assistant for SCC's Continuing Education Department. “Students will learn real-world applications of science and math concepts using hands-on problem-solving skills.”
RoboTronix is part of the First Lego League, and the coach, or instructor, is Jack Bilow, an experienced science teacher who has taught in the SEMAA (Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy) program sponsored by NASA. Bilow started the team at SCC in Aug. 2011, and he led them to first place in presentation at the state qualifier and third place in overall competition. Robotronix also participated in the Eastern Missouri Championship at St. Louis Community College - Florissant Valley in Dec. 2011. Their goal is to reach the Governors Cup Tournament in Jefferson City in February.
Bilow will also teach a homeschool Lego Robotics course and two Lego Robotics spring break camps at SCC this spring. The course is for beginning and intermediate homeschool students ages 8-14 and will be held from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 22-April 18. The cost is $109. The Lego Robotics spring break camps will be held March 19-23 and April 2-5 for students ages 9-14. The March camp is five sessions and costs $209, and the April camp is four sessions and costs $169.
For class schedules, costs or to register for a class, visit www.stchas.edu/learnforlife. For more information about the classes, contact Amy Fitzwilliam at 636-922-8335 or e-mail afitzwilliam@stchas.edu.
Established in 1986, St. Charles Community College is celebrating 25 years as a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.