Robotics Clubs Make a Splash in Watsonville and Santa Cruz

October 26, 2023

inaugural Santa Cruz County Office of Education and X Academy Robotics Clubs

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news that has been making waves in Watsonville and Santa Cruz! High school students from across Santa Cruz county have dived right in to explore the fascinating world of robotics. We’ve launched our county-wide Robotics Initiative, and partnered with the X Academy to create two year-long High School Robotics Clubs. During our first two weekends, 47 students from 13 schools built 27 fully functional underwater robots.

Underwater ROV Adventures

At our first two club meetings, students worked on designing and constructing underwater ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles). This hands-on project allowed students to explore the depths of creativity and engineering as they crafted their own underwater marvels. From cutting PVC pipe and constructing the unit to tinkering with propellers, our young engineers are enthusiastically navigating the waters of knowledge and innovation.

The Robotics Clubs meet on Saturdays in Watsonville and on Sundays in Santa Cruz, providing students with the perfect weekend adventure filled with learning and fun. These weekend gatherings are a time for our budding engineers to collaborate, experiment, and take their robotics skills to the next level.

A Big Thank You!

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education and the X Academy have joined hands to nurture the future of robotics in our community. We’re immensely grateful for this dedication to inspiring young minds and fostering a love for Computer Science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). We appreciate Tim and Barbara, the founders of the X Academy, and all our amazing mentors who guide the students with care and support. A big shout-out to student ambassadors Bennet, Ben, Max and Kai, who are experienced Robotics designers and provide peer-mentorship to the newest members.

In the spirit of innovation and exploration, our Robotics Clubs are creating an environment where students can dream, design, and discover together. We look forward to seeing our young engineers’ creations come to life and witnessing their journey as they make strides in the world of robotics. This exciting club will have them collaborating, designing, engineering, marketing and creating an underwater ROV for the annual MATE-ROV Competition.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates as our Robotics Clubs continue to make a splash in Watsonville and Santa Cruz. 🌟🤖💦 And join us in celebrating this wonderful initiative that is shaping the future, one ROV at a time! 🚀🌊🤖

For more information, please visit https://cs.santacruzcoe.org/robotics.

Categories: Featured Articles, Santa Cruz COE News, Tech+