While our LEGO engineering campers are waiting for their parents, we usually let them play with the LEGOs. Yesterday, one of the campers made the interesting device at left, complete with a sensor, a free-swinging pendulum and claws at the top. He’s only about 8,  and knew nothing of the Univ. of Utah’s ROCR robot that we recently shared a story about, so he couldn’t quite figure out why we thought his spontaneous design was so interesting.  This morning, we brought in a picture of ROCR, showed it all the campers and compared it to the student’s design.   After explaining how ROCR climbed carpeted walls, we mused a bit about how it might climb smooth walls.

“Suction cups,” said a 6 year old matter of factly. No doubt the University of Utah worked a long time on ROCR, but maybe  R&D might consider brainstorming with elementary students!

The rest of the day was spent testing various rubberband car designs, and refining programming and building skills.  Tomorrow, students get a shot at some table challenges and on Friday, we’re hosting an exhibition for campers’ families, showcasing campers’ skills, and a little of TDTs, too.