The STS Programs are always looking for new partnerships with groups and organizations in our community. If interested, contact Christina (cyang227@umd.edu) with service and volunteering opportunities.
Robotics Service-Learning Program (CPSS240)
An example robotics kit used in CPSS240 to administer after-school robotics clubs.
Dr. Betsy Mendelson (STS Scholars Director, 2007-2013) started the the Robotics Service-Learning Program with one class at Northwestern High School. It was further developed by Dr. Matt Aruch (STS Scholars Assistant Director, 2013-2021) in collaboration with Prince George’s County Public Schools. Undergraduate students (as individuals and teams) develop, implement, reflect and evaluate robotics service-learning experiences. Using Lego Education Mindstorm EV3 Robotics kits in addition to robotics curriculum, students lead and participate in after school robotics clubs at different elementary, middle, and high schools in Prince George’s County.
In this three-credit course, students explore complex issues related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. These issues are investigated using theoretical perspectives of science and technology studies. Additional research and theory is included from disciplines of curriculum studies and pedagogy, service-learning and international studies.
The program serves over 200 K-12 students per academic year across 5 PG County Schools: College Park Academy, Berwyn Heights Elementary School, Paint Branch Elementary School, Rolling Terrace Elementary School, University Park Elementary School.
If your school is interested with partnering with our Robotics Service-Learning Program, contact Dr. Timothy Reedy at tdreedy@umd.edu.
Tech Literacy Workshops
Finn Dyer (Computer Engineering ’28) assists seniors during a Tech Literacy Workshop.
In partnership with the City of College Park, STS students host Tech Literacy Workshops during weekly Senior Socials at the Branchville Fire Department. Seniors bring their own devices and receive one-on-one assistance with navigating user interface, leveraging digital tools, and other ways of getting the most out of the technology they already have.
In addition to performing a valuable service to their local community, STSers learn that technology is not designed for all users. They gain new perspectives and expanded understanding to bring back to their coursework.
River Clean-Ups
STS students pull a fence out of the Anacostia River near Paint Branch.
In partnership with Anacostia Riverkeeper (ARK) we clean a waterway, audit the trash collected, and report back to ARK so that they can use that data to educate the local population around responsible stewardship and advocate for policy to keep our precious Chesapeake watershed safe and healthy.