Extension 4-H robots simulate oil spill cleanup

 

 

 

PUYALLUP, Wash. – Alex Melnichuck examines the head of a toothbrush, attaches tape, a tiny motor, batteries and wires. Within moments his vibrating mini robot is attempting to clean up a simulated oil spill on a stationary mat.

 

The 16-year-old from University Place, Wash., is one of millions of youth throughout the country taking part in the 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge as part of National Youth Science Day on Wednesday, Oct. 10.

“I learned how things can be manipulated in ways that can benefit or provide a disadvantage to the robot,” said the high school junior. “Also, how to use a different perspective on solving the problem, such as adding ‘wings’ to the robot to prevent it from falling.”

 

Using paper, straws and cups, students had two minutes to keep the Eco-Bot from leaving its boundaries while displacing rice – which represented the oil spill. After three trials, the experimenters discovered how making changes to their robots affected performance.

 

“When young people are presented with the challenge of using their tiny robot to preserve and protect the environment in a simulated spill, they tap their critical and creative thinking skills to evaluate the situation, explore possibilities, test their ideas and measure their success,” said Janet Edwards, Washington State University Extension 4-H STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) specialist. 

 

In its fifth year, National Youth Science Day uses hands-on experiments and problem solving to expose students to career options in science and engineering. Youth discover how technology influences and benefits human life and how they can have a positive impact on communities and ecosystems.

 

More than five million young people nationwide participate in 4-H science, engineering and technology programming. Robotics, wind power, rocketry, GPS mapping, agricultural science, biofuels, filmmaking and water quality provide opportunities for youth to explore and strengthen their interests.

Melnichuck, who plans to study computer science and convergence technologies after high school, appreciates the unexpected outcomes and results gleaned from experiments.

“To learn what others did in the past by taking a problem and breaking it down into multiple parts creates a more realistic experience that can be compared to real life,” he said.

To learn more about National Youth Science Day visit
http://www.4-h.org/4-h-national-youth-science-day/