A new cohort of budding scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians found an avenue to develop their Stem skills at the Ascendant Group Ltd’s annual Stem Camp.

Launched in 2013, the camp is aimed at middle school students with proven aptitude and interest in Stem (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects. Students are provided with multiple activities and projects over the course of the camp to expand their capabilities.

This year’s camp began with a one-week session for beginners and one advanced two-week session. At the conclusion of the last session, students presented their projects to their parents and other invited guests.

Students generated energy from wind and solar sources, explored electromagnetism, created websites, developed video games, constructed robots, and wrote their own codes to fly drones remotely. They also learnt about blockchain and cryptocurrency.

Among the software and hardware tools that the students used were C/C++, HTML, CSS, Dreamweaver, Solidity, Python, Scratch, Photoshop, 3D Paint, BASIC, EV3 Robots, Codrone and Airblock Drones.

Duval Robinson, a computer science senior schoolteacher, was the facilitator for this year’s camp. He said: “I believe that technology is a very important tool in teaching and learning. This triggers engagement, fostering creative minds and future innovators.”

LaKeitha Cunningham, vice-president, human resources at Ascendant, said: “Ascendant is proud to have encouraged a new set of students to further develop their abilities and interest in Stem. We understand that Stem fields are rapidly growing and changing; we are proud to offer children in Bermuda an outlet for these useful skills.”