STEM camp empowers students to build the future

Students will have an opportunity to build a solar powered car like this from last year's STEM camp. 

By Mallory Goeke
KDOT Communications Specialist

Building the future of our country may begin at a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) camp such as the one that the Kansas Department of Transportation and Washburn University are sponsoring during the next two weeks in Topeka.

Robyn Dudney, a program consultant for KDOT, said that each week, about 25 middle school students will learn about different STEM careers, including transportation industry opportunities.

“The campers will do various hands-on activities and tour local facilities,” Dudney said.  “Some of the activities include building and programming robotics, building solar cars, tinker computer aided devices, developing solid fuel rockets, design and build electric boats, which will be tested in the Washburn pool.”

Students will build robotic cars. 

At the end of the week, each camper will showcase their projects to family and friends. Secretary of Transportation Secretary Richard Carlson will speak to the students and their families at the end of the first week.

Students also will have opportunities to learn from experts when they tour the KDOT materials lab and Washburn Tech. Dudney said they will have the chance to explore how construction equipment is operated.

“This is the second year for the camp,” Dudney said. “Last year the camp lasted two weeks with the same students. This year we decided to hold two one-week camps, so we can reach out to more children.”

The program is funded by KDOT in conjunction with Washburn University. KDOT’s Office of Civil Rights Compliance plays an active role in the day-to-day activities of the camp.