Archives 2023

The workshop on Arduino Uno had already left a lasting impact on both the children and myself. As we transitioned to the Car Project, I was eager to witness how the newfound knowledge from the Blink Project would shape the children’s understanding and enthusiasm for this more complex challenge. The excitement in the room was visible as the children gathered around their workstations, eager to embark on the next adventure. The Car Project required them to build a small robot car using Arduino Uno and various components like motors, sensors, and wheels. The task was more intricate than the Blink Project, but the children’s eagerness and confidence had grown significantly since the beginning of the workshop. The children’s previous experience with the Blink Project proved to be invaluable. They approached the Car Project with a newfound sense of enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination. It was evident that they saw the potential of applying their skills to create something more substantial and interactive.

The knowledge gained from the Blink Project laid a solid foundation for understanding the basics of Arduino programming and circuitry, which were essential for the Car Project’s success. Many of the children displayed an intuitive understanding of wiring and coding, making the initial setup and configuration more seamless. Throughout the Car Project, I noticed how the children embraced the repetitive process. They were not afraid to experiment, test, and revise their designs as they encountered challenges along the way. The willingness to adapt and learn from their mistakes showcased a newfound level of confidence and resilience, which I believe was fostered by the Blink Project’s debugging exercises.

One of the most remarkable transformations I witnessed was the emergence of natural leaders and collaborators among the children. Those who had excelled in the Blink Project took on mentorship roles, guiding their peers through the complexities of the Car Project. This collaboration created a positive learning environment, where knowledge was freely shared, and everyone felt supported in their exploration. Moreover, the Car Project fostered an appreciation for STEM disciplines among the children.

They began to see how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics intertwined in the real world, motivating them to pursue further studies and careers in these fields. As the workshop drew to a close, I was filled with a sense of fulfillment. The journey from the Blink Project to the Car Project showcased how these children had evolved into confident and creative young innovators. They had harnessed the power of Arduino Uno, gained a deep understanding of electronics and coding, and most importantly, developed a passion for learning and problem-solving.

As I entered the workshop on Arduino Uno and the Blink Project, little did I know that I was about to embark on a journey filled with inspiration and wonder. The room was abuzz with excitement as the children eagerly gathered around the tables, their eyes sparkling with curiosity and anticipation. The prospect of assisting /teaching them about electronics and coding felt both thrilling and daunting.

At the beginning, Lead Instructor Peiyan introduced the concept of Arduino Uno, explaining how it served as the heart of our projects and the gateway to the world of electronics. The children were attentive, absorbing every word as he guided them through the basics. Witnessing their enthusiasm and genuine interest reassured me that we were about to create something truly special. Next came the Blink Project – a simple yet pivotal task that entailed programming an LED to blink on and off. To the children it was a revelation. As they meticulously connected wires, input components, and wrote lines of code, I witnessed the birth of their inquisitive minds transitioning into young engineers.

However, challenges arose along the way. Some children faced frustration when their LEDs refused to blink or the code produced unexpected outcomes. As an intern, I learned that patience and encouragement were vital. Guiding them through the debugging process taught me the art of instilling resilience and determination in young learners. The true beauty of the workshop lay in the children’s creativity. As they mastered the basics, they started experimenting with different components and pushing the limits of their projects. Witnessing the emergence of unique ideas and innovative solutions filled me with immense pride. I realized that the workshop was not just about teaching technical skills, but also about fostering creativity and confidence in these budding minds. Moreover, the workshop underscored the power of collaborative learning. The children formed bonds, shared ideas, and helped each other troubleshoot. It was heartwarming to see how they leaned on one another, encouraging teamwork and camaraderie. Throughout the workshop, I also learned valuable lessons. I discovered the significance of adapting my assisting approach to suit each child’s learning style, ensuring that no one felt left behind. I witnessed firsthand that children thrive when given the freedom to explore and experiment, even if it leads to mistakes.

In conclusion, the workshop on Arduino Uno and the Blink Project was a transformative experience for both the children and me. It reminded me of the boundless potential that young minds possess and how important it is to nurture their passion for learning. By empowering them with knowledge and the confidence to explore, we lay the foundation for a generation of innovative thinkers and problem solvers. I left the workshop with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that I had played a small part in shaping these bright minds and igniting their passion for technology.

SpringBoard Animation Pilot – by Brandon L

In February 2022 I had the idea of opening an animation studio. Of course, it will take some time & effort, but I am very passionate. Passionate enough that I’m willing to put in the effort. Weeks went by and before I knew it, it was March. I had to rethink my actions. Then the CEO of Springboard suggested a workshop, a “pilot”. Students from local high schools can come in and learn the basics of animation, a course that most colleges would teach but high schools did not. We decided to plan our upcoming “pilot” for the summer of 2022.

As the months of planning & collaborating with other schools & youth programs went by, we hired a brilliant instructor name Lopez. He is an awesome animator. He downloaded a free animation program called Kirita which is simple for the students to use. Then the big day arrived. On August 27^th, 5 students came in ready to learn the basics of animation. It was a free open house that would run for 2 hours. The 5 students certainly enjoyed their time with each other. 2 of them were high schooler One high schooler was Eva. Her younger brother, Jaden was in middle school. This pilot was geared towards high schoolers but her brother showed interest in the program and so we allowed him to come along too.