Hosted by the WVU Center for Excellence in STEM Education and the West Virginia Department of Education from July 6-12, nearly 50 ninth and 10th graders from across West Virginia were introduced to the world of computer science during the Governor’s Computer Science Institute.
The week-long camp encouraged the exploration of topics in computer science, artificial intelligence, geographic information systems, gaming development, robotics, coding and more.
Students mastered essential computer science skills and used creative problem-solving through focused training and collaboration with peers to develop portfolio-worthy projects with real-world applications.
While working with programmable chips called micro:bits, several groups programmed robots capable of navigating obstacle courses and robotic arms that could lift and move items, create music and more. The students worked in pairs, using critical thinking and patience to test and troubleshoot their robots.
Another group dove into coding basics to develop their own computer games. A few students recreated classic game concepts like Scrabble and Solitaire, while others brought their unique ideas to life.
At Evansdale Crossing, students explored more advanced topics in artificial intelligence, geographic information systems and 3D modeling at the MakerLab.
While some students enter the camp with prior knowledge of computer science topics, many do not. Gretchen and Bill Gibson, co-directors of the Governor’s Computer Science Institute, said that is what makes the camp so special.
“It allows kids who have varying backgrounds and experiences to all be able to grow in their knowledge and understanding of computer science in many different areas while receiving one-on-one instruction from top instructors,” Gretchen Gibson said. “We have found that the students quickly learn that computer science is a field with limitless opportunity.”
That opportunity is growing nationwide, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an 11% growth in STEM occupations by 2031 — over two times faster than the total for all occupations.
Programs like the Governor’s Computer Science Institute and the WVU Center for Excellence in STEM Education have focused their efforts on growing access to computer science curricula across the state, both for students and educators.
In 2017, around 40% of students had access to computer science education in West Virginia. That percentage now lies around 80%, with a new statewide computer science graduation requirement expected to raise access to nearly 100% across the state. The requirement will start with the rising ninth grade class this fall.
Gay Stewart, director of the Center for Excellence in STEM Education, stressed the importance of all students, no matter their career pathway, gaining access to computer science curriculum.
“Not everyone needs to be a computer science professional, but it is now a basic skill that pervades almost every career,” Stewart said. “Our focus of the work at the Center has been on helping students, teachers, school administrators, and very importantly, parents, realize that is true.”
The Center for Excellence in STEM Education, housed within the Office of the Provost, supports a number of initiatives focused on bringing STEM education to K-12 classrooms and higher education institutions across West Virginia. The accessible, cutting-edge programs forge key partnerships and offer networking opportunities for West Virginia K-12 youth, higher education students and current educators.