Empowering Future Innovators: Launching Robotics Teams with IRIS Canopy Camp

Robotics is more than just a hobby or competition. It’s a gateway to real-world skills in engineering, design, and teamwork that prepare students for future careers. Yet many schools struggle to start or sustain robotics programs due to limited resources or expertise. IRIS Canopy Camp offers a solution by bringing hands-on STEM learning directly to high schools and helping them build lasting robotics teams.

Students learning CAD at Esperanza Juvenil

Building STEM Programs That Last

IRIS Canopy Camp focuses on creating more than just a one-time workshop. The goal is to build lasting STEM programs that empower students to design, create, and lead their own robotics teams. After the camp, schools receive support to launch sustainable robotics programs that keep students engaged in engineering challenges throughout the year.

This approach helps schools transform classrooms into active engineering labs where students apply skills in CAD modeling, mechanical design, and robotics foundations. By guiding schools through the process of starting their own teams, IRIS ensures that the learning continues long after the camp ends.

What Students Learn at Canopy Camp

The camp curriculum centers on practical skills and teamwork. Students learn to:

• Use CAD software to create 3D models of mechanical parts

  
  

• Understand basic mechanical design principles

  
  

• Collaborate effectively in teams, mirroring real engineering environments

  
  

• Apply their designs to build and program simple robots

  
  

• Solve challenges that require creative thinking and technical skills

  
  

This hands-on experience gives students a strong foundation in robotics and engineering design. They gain confidence working with real-world tools and concepts, preparing them for competitions and future STEM opportunities.

How Schools Can Get Involved

The process to bring Canopy Camp to a school is straightforward:

1. Schools submit a request for the camp through IRIS.

   
   

2. IRIS reviews the request and customizes the curriculum to fit the school’s needs.

   
   

3. IRIS mentors travel to the school to host an in-person design and robotics workshop.

   
   

4. After the camp, IRIS supports the school in launching a sustainable robotics team.

   
   

This model makes it easy for schools without existing robotics programs to get started. The personalized curriculum ensures relevance to each school’s resources and student interests.

The Impact on Students and Schools

IRIS Canopy Camp transforms classrooms by turning them into active spaces for engineering and innovation. Students who participate develop skills that go beyond robotics, including problem-solving, communication, and leadership.

Schools benefit by gaining a new STEM program that attracts motivated students and builds a community around technology and engineering. The robotics teams created through Canopy Camp often compete in local and regional competitions, raising the school’s profile and inspiring younger students.

Taking the Next Step

Starting a robotics team can seem daunting, but IRIS Canopy Camp makes it achievable. Schools interested in bringing this opportunity to their students can request a camp or start a robotics program by contacting IRIS directly.

By partnering with IRIS, schools gain access to expert mentors, tailored curriculum, and ongoing support. This helps ensure students continue learning, competing, and innovating long after the initial camp.

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