Texas A&M University at Qatar, a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner, has concluded its summer STEM program for students from grades 6 to 12 from across Qatar.
The university has designed and developed educational programs specifically for Qatari school students to explore the foundations of various engineering concepts. The program included 3D Computer Design: 3D Innovation; Qatar Innovates: Fundamentals of Engineering Design and Robotics REV: Introduction to Robotics Engineering and Penwood Derby Engineering.
Through the 3D computer design program, grade 9-12 students were able to learn how to design and create products, from conceptualizing an idea to turning it into a product. They were instructed in using Fusion360 professional 3D computer modeling software in order to learn the rules of 3D modeling, as well as how to use additive manufacturing and 3D printing.
The Qatar Innovates: Fundamentals of Engineering Design program focused on teaching students the principles of engineering design, which are understanding, definition, visualization, prototyping, and testing. This annual program launched a set of challenges for students in grades nine to 12 to test their abilities and work in groups to develop innovative solutions to current issues.
The students participating in the REV Robotics Program were able to explore the fundamentals of robotics engineering, mechanical and structural design, and robotics programming.
STEM Initiatives and Laboratory Manager at Texas A&M University at Qatar Benjamin Cieslinski expressed his happiness with the enthusiasm and excitement shown by the students of the summer program, pointing out that the students acquired the foundations of engineering knowledge, adding that the educational programs played a pivotal role in developing their critical thinking and their ability to find solutions to current issues.
For her part, Tala Katbeh, one of the developers and designers of the program explained that as an engineering teacher, she seeks to nurture the concept of innovation among students, by learning about 3D computer design, robotics, programming and engineering design.
Source: Qatar News Agency