12 hours ago
Regional students participate in University of Idaho's coding and robotics camp
Jun. 21—MOSCOW — It may not be a summer camp in the traditional sense, but the University of Idaho's summer Robotics Coding Camp is helping local students learn skills that can help them in the future.
Regional middle and high school students spent a week on the Moscow campus learning about computer programming and engineering. The students typed and clicked away at their computers mastering skills many people don't learn until they are older.
Erin Lanigan, UI assistant director of student engagement and STEM outreach, said one of the goals for the program is to help prepare students for entering the workforce where computer science and engineering skills are among the top needs.
At this age, they are beginning to decide what they want to do when they grow up.
"They have to see it to know they can be it," she said.
Moscow Middle School student Corinne Bowersox, 12, already has a job in mind.
"I'm actually interested in being a NASA engineer," she said.
During this week's camp, she used coding to create her own video game where the goal is to catch fortune cookies and eggs before they hit the floor. She also learned how to control a small robot on wheels.
She said coding is an easy way to learn a new hobby and people can share their work with other creators.
