MCC hosts 14th Annual
Nebraska Robotics and STEM Invitational

More than 50 third- through sixth-grade students participated in the 14th Annual Nebraska Robotics and STEM Invitational at the Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha Campus on Saturday, April 26. At the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology, students from six area schools formed 23 teams that participated in technology-focused activities that included 3-on-3 robot soccer, navigating a drone through an agility course and hands-on computer programming challenges.

The event is part of the College’s efforts to expand access to immersive and innovative STEM learning events for all Nebraska K-12 students. Participating schools included Christ the King School, Howard Kennedy Elementary, Louisville Elementary, Spring Lake Elementary, Springville Elementary and St. Wenceslaus Catholic School. 

Spring Lake Elementary technology instructor Alli Fox, who works with kindergarten to fourth-grade students, said it is an event she and students look forward to every year. Fox said the school has participated for around five years.

“MCC puts on a great event. It’s always fun to practice building robots with the kids and compete with other schools,” Fox said. “It’s also fun to come here and tell our students that MCC is a college and they can study here, especially walking around [the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology] where they can see the cool things that people are doing with technology. We really love this partnership.”

Fox said learning through play and experimentation in a group format brings the lessons to life for students. She said the event also introduces students to working with technology that can provide the foundation for more advanced programming.  

“With coding especially, students will try something, see how it goes and then go back and try fix it. We treat it like a puzzle and learn how to problem solve,” Fox said.  

Alan Wang, MCC director of STEM Program Development, said programming is designed to deliver impactful learning experiences through technology students are naturally inclined to engage with like robotics, drones, virtual reality and eSports. 

“Our focus is to provide fun, engaging, hands-on learning that expands access and elevates STEM in our community,” Wang said.