OKLAHOMA CITY– Robotics programs at the Del City Library give teens and gradeschoolers the opportunity to engineer and program robots to do just about anything.

Del City Library will offer a Robotics Boot Camp Monday, Nov. 5. The program uses Dash and Dot robots and LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robots to teach basic robotics concepts. Dash and Dot robots are spherical programmable robots geared toward beginners and LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robots are buildable brick robots with programmable motors and sensors for more advanced robot creations.

Each robotics platform teaches programming and coding with a hands-on approach. Both platforms allow programmers to develop their own unique and creative designs and give them the opportunity to come up with several solutions to the same problem.

After completing the Robotics Boot Camp, attendees can join Del City Library’s Robotics Club. The Club meets each week to learn robotics and coding as well as gain teamwork skills. Teams work together to create programs and design solutions for real-world science and technology challenges. The robotics club is just one of many STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) programs offered at the library.

“Many jobs in our area are based in STEAM fields. Having an understanding of STEAM fields will allow children to be more competitive for those jobs in the future,” Del City youth engagement specialist Jeremy Teel said. “In addition, it allows children to work on developing their critical thinking skills and learn new skills in a fun, low-stress environment.”

STEAM programs make up over 6 percent of all occupations in the U.S. and workers in these fields earn higher wages. Degree holders in STEAM fields earn 12 percent more than non-STEAM degree holders, according to a March 2017 report from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Oklahoma has seen a 24 percent uptake in STEAM employment since 2016, compared to the national STEAM employment growth rate of 10 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Upcoming Robotics Boot Camps at Del City Library

Nov. 5, 2018, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 3, 2018, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Registration is required for the Robotics Boot Camp. To register visit the library’s calendar at metrolibrary.org/events.