Tis the season for robots at Macomb Community College.
Macomb, in partnership with Lawrence Technological University, is hosting the 5th Annual Thanksgiving RoboParade on Nov. 20, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The parade is the final event of Macomb’s program series, American Ingenuity: Embracing the Freedom to Dream at the Lorenzo Cultural Center in Clinton Township.
The indoor parade will feature fully autonomous robot floats constructed and programmed by teams of 4th-12th grade students prior to the parade. The RoboParade is free for both participants and those who wish to attend.
For students new to the world of robotics who are interested in participating in the parade, Lawrence Tech will offer a workshop for robot “rookies” at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Lorenzo Cultural Center. Participants will learn about the basics of robotics and how to prepare a robot for inclusion in the Thanksgiving RoboParade. The workshop is free, but space is limited. Those interested should contact CJ Chung, an associate professor at Lawrence Tech and director of Robofest.
The RoboParade helps highlight the RoboFest program at Lawrence Tech, which offers courses in robotics and related technology.
"The primary goal of Robofest is to spark young students' interest in STEM -- Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math." Chung said.
At Macomb, the college recently announced the creation of a new certificate training program in the field of robotics programming. The robotics certificate classes, located in a newly-upgraded and enhanced lab on Macomb’s South Campus in Warren, allow students to earn college credit and to work toward industry certification in the robotics field. The first classes in the program began this fall.
“Now, perhaps more than ever, we need people who embrace the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, who have skills in math, science and technology,” said Dr. Jim Jacobs, president, Macomb Community College. “While not directly related, these different events speak to the effort Macomb, often working with key partners, is making to kindle that spirit and to help people develop key skills to support their career goals.”
The American Ingenuity program through Nov. 21 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center. The exhibits are free, and there is no charge for the majority of the presentations, though advance registration is required. The series features more than 30 speakers or activities in addition a number of exhibits that celebrate ingenuity.
The Lorenzo Cultural Center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information on the center and on the American Ingenuity program series is available at LorenzoCulturalCenter.com.
Group visits are welcome during the series and may be arranged by calling 586.445.7348.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (LorenzoCulturalCenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 48,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
Media contact:
Dan Heaton
586.445.7271
heatond@macomb.edu