Penn State Extension 4-H Robotics Program Comes to Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, the Penn State Extension 4-H Club “Atomic Robotics” had formed with the financial and professional support of Boeing Philadelphia. Working with the Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School, mentors from the Mobility Division of Boeing Military Aircraft linked with Penn State Extension 4-H to offer robotics programs.

J. J. Biels-Goeble, a Boeing volunteer, explains, “Two years ago, a friend twisted my arm a bit to get me to the first meeting, but I had a blast. There was something for each of the participants to do, from learning to weld, to computer-assisted design (CAD), to making posters and videos. We connected with area Penn State Extension 4-H clubs and found a rewarding partnership.” Jackie Simon, Penn State Extension 4-H  Educator, facilitated access to afterschool activities and even found space for the robot construction.

“Part of my motivation,” J. J. says, “is knowing that not enough kids are going into science and math in the United States. We need to celebrate science and technology at the same level we celebrate sports. Until we do, we’re facing an uphill battle. “