PROGRAMS

Southern Maryland Robotics

SESSIONS

Southern Maryland Robotics is a Robotics Program for the Southern Maryland NSBE Jr. Chapter that began in September of 2013. This program will allow students to build an understanding of basic science concepts related to robotics.

Students will learn about Robotics and eventually design their own Robots. Participation in various robotics competitions will be a significant part of the program. Students will participate in First Lego League competitions with NSBE and outside of NSBE and participation in other robotics competitions with other organizations, such as with the Patriot League Technology Training Center, will also occur.

This program also aims to stimulate enthusiasm about science, technology, engineering and mathematics among pre-college students, which is one of NSBE’s Pre-College Initiative program goals.

Students will also be exposed to a hands-on, team oriented, collaborative activity that involves mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and industrial engineering.

The goals of the Robotics Program are to:

1. Stimulate enthusiasm about science, technology, engineering and mathematics among pre-college students

2. Get students excited about science and technology -- and teach them valuable employment and life skills

3. Expose pre-college students to a hands-on, team oriented, collaborative activity that involves mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering, software

engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and industrial engineering.

4. Expose kids to different STEM career fields

5. Provide professional learning experiences for students through teamwork and leadership and expose them to STEM Career Fields

First Lego League

FLL introduces students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society.

Students get to:

Design, build, test and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology
Apply real-world math and science concepts
Research challenges facing today’s scientists
Learn critical thinking, team-building and presentation skills
Participate in tournaments and celebrations

What FLL teams accomplish is nothing short of amazing. It’s fun. It’s exciting. And the skills they learn will last a lifetime.

In order to accomplish the goals of NSBE Jr. SESSIONS was created. SESSIONS stands for STEM Exploration: Successfully Supplementing Integral Opportunities & Navigating Students which consists of “NSBE Jr. Sessions”. SESSIONS is held two-three Wednesdays out of the month alternating from a Spring Ridge Middle School and Great Mills High School, both in Lexington Park, MD. Each “SESSION” or NSBE Jr. Session has a specific topic, subject, or activity that will be covered.

These topics and activities can range from College/University Prep, SAT/ACT & Standardized Test Prep, Hands-On Engineering Activities, Tutoring, How to Apply for College/Scholarships Sessions, etc…Some activities or subjects may involve special guests or subject matter experts to come in and share their expertise. Each session also includes the exploration of a STEM Career Field. Students have NSBE Jr. Notebooks where they compile notes on these careers fields and all activities done so that they can keep track of all of the things they have been exposed to.

The students benefit dramatically. They are prepped to take standardized tests, receive information on scholarships/opportunities/awards, develop leadership skills, exposed to professionals in various STEM fields, participate in hands-on activities that correlate with engineering and technology, and they are mentored by STEM professionals. There are sessions that include formal classroom style education in STEM fields when doing tutoring and technology workshops such as website design or programming. Casual outreach activities are also done in order to keep the students interested and excited. Some examples include engineering demonstrations and projects such as bridge or boat building.

Math Club

Math Club coming soon!