Robotics classes to begin at Downey Space Center

Visitors to the Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey examine an exhibit on the solar system during grand opening ceremonies at the center last fall. The center is offering Lego Robotics Camps for youngsters 6 to 14 over the next three weeks. (Photo by Gary McCarthy)

By WAVE STAFF

Story Published: Jul 15, 2010 at 1:04 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jul 15, 2010 at 1:04 PM PDT

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DOWNEY — Science-oriented young people need not go all the way to Huntsville, Ala. for the famous Space Camp there. Instead they can stay closer to home and attend one of the Lego Robotics Camps offered at the Columbia Memorial Space Center, 12400 Columbia Way.

An organization called Mathobotix will offer youngsters ages 6 to 14 classes in robotics engineering projects, said Scott Pomrehn, assistant deputy city manager and curator at the center.

Mathobotix will offer a free open house from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday to allow students and parents to get acquainted with the program, such as robotics demonstrations.

Students will be placed in appropriate age and grade levels to learn such things as the basic static structures used in robotics by applying the fundamental of math and science, he said.

Three one-week sessions are planned July 26-30, Aug. 2-6 and Aug. 9-13.
Cost is $150 a week for a full day of classes, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or $120 a week for half-days, 9 a.m. to noon.

Youngsters can sign up for all three weeks as the hands-on instruction will differ, Pomrehn said.

Day care will be offered before and after the classes for an additional $8 an hour, Pomrehn said.

The fee includes a camp T-shirt and admission to the Space Center during regular hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturdays. Admission is $5 per person, $3 each for a group of 10 or more.

Information: (562) 231-1200.

For more information on the robotics program or to register, visit www.mathobotix.com.

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