Volunteer engineers are continuously seeking opportunities for exposure to STEM fields with project-based learning that goes beyond the classroom. Since 2003, the IEEE Ottawa Robotics Competition (ORC) has been Ottawa’s largest volunteer-run robotics competition (IEEE Ottawa Section, R7). This is a program for students in grades 5 to 12, and it attracts over 600 attendees. ORC is the only volunteer-run robotics competition in Ottawa. It uniquely offers a low cost and beginner-friendly competition for Ottawa’s youth. It also provides an entry-point into the world of programming and engineering.
In 2021, the program migrated to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This format remained for 2022. ORC encourages young participants to employ their imagination to construct robots to compete in a number of categories. In the 2022 competition, students chose to participate in the Agility Challenge [LEGO], the Dancing Robot Challenge [Arduino], or the Wildlife Ambulance Challenge [Micro:bit].A total of 47 students competed, and winners were selected in each of the categories. Eight teachers, three parents, and 18 volunteers also participated in this program.
ORC continued to provide an engaging STEM learning experience during a time when many students’ extracurriculars have been impacted by the pandemic. The program reached many students in the Ottawa community in parent and community-run teams. The program leaders hoped the 2023 competition would revert to an in-person format. In-person programs give students more opportunities to engage with each other about their projects. In the future, the program will also expand the types of robotics kits used in the challenges so they can be as accessible as possible.
IEEE Ottawa Robotics Competition was a recipient of the 2022 IEEE Pre-University STEM Grant Program.
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