Aggie STEM, Texas A&M Space Institute Partner to Elevate Summer Learning
Collaboration brings real-world STEM experiences to young campers
The Aggie STEM program is enhancing its summer camp experience through a new partnership with the Texas A&M University Space Institute, connecting students in grades 3-5 with real-world robotics and engineering.
A collaboration between the College of Education and Human Development and faculty in the College of Engineering, Aggie STEM is designed to build students’ curiosity, confidence and problem-solving skills. Adding the Space Institute’s Robotics and Automation Design (RAD) Lab brings those experiences closer to innovative research.
Dr. Melanie Kinskey of the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture, who coordinates the curriculum for Aggie STEM’s Elementary Day Camp, said the goal is to give campers meaningful, hands-on experiences while having fun with STEM.
“With RAD Lab’s partnership and guidance from engineering interns, students can try programming robots in a supportive environment, which will hopefully plant seeds of love and interest in STEM to grow,” Kinskey added.
Aggie STEM Campers got to work with robots used in real-world applications.
Campers had the unique opportunity to program an industrial robot, which is the same type used in real-world settings such as factories and research laboratories. They also experienced the engineering process firsthand by testing and refining the robot to achieve their desired outcome.
Dr. Chrisina Petlowany, a senior research engineer in the RAD Lab, shared a similar focus on hands-on learning.
“We hope the students remember trying something, seeing how it worked and then altering their plan and trying again as needed,” she said.
Kinskey also emphasized the value of campers getting to interact with STEM industry experts and see firsthand what engineers do, providing an experience that makes STEM feel more accessible and exciting.
“My goal is to challenge the idea that STEM is ‘too difficult’ for young learners,” she said. “With the right support and opportunities, they can absolutely be engaged and even envision themselves pursuing STEM in the future.”
For media inquiries, contact Ruben Hidalgo.
Recent Posts
Celebrating Children’s Creativity through Mathematical Modeling
Texas A&M researchers and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Brazos Valley are helping children explore how creativity and problem solving shape the way they learn math.
When Students’ Voices Shape Healing
Dr. Adam Alvarez explores how student-centered approaches can improve mental health, strengthen relationships and create more supportive school environments.
How Pretend Play Builds Language
The Texas A&M Institute for Early Childhood Development & Education shares how pretend play helps children boost their vocabulary and communication.
Shaping Leaders Beyond the Game
Texas A&M TRACE Lab hosts sports leadership conference focused on youth development, civic engagement and community impact through athletics.
Aggie STEM, Texas A&M Space Institute Partner to Elevate Summer Learning
Aggie STEM and the Texas A&M Space Institute partner to bring real-world robotics and engineering experiences to elementary summer campers.
A Scholarship, a Playground and a Promise
A grandmother’s handwritten letters, an organ donation that saved a life and Spencer’s Corner at Blue Bell Park keep Spencer Squire’s Aggie spirit alive through a Texas A&M scholarship.
Encouraging Independent Play
The Texas A&M Institute for Early Childhood Development & Education shares simple, practical tips to help families create space for unstructured play at home and outdoors.
Learning in Prime Time
Texas A&M sport management students earned paid, hands-on experience working the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, gaining real-world skills in event operations, fan engagement, and professional sports management.
Preparing Teacher-Citizen Leaders on a National Stage
Haynes Teacher Corps students took their learning beyond the classroom with an immersive experience in Washington, D.C., where education, policy and leadership intersect.
A Path to Patient Care
First-generation Aggie Sheyla Leon ’26 discovered her passion for medicine through kinesiology, research and mentorship as she prepares for medical school at UTMB.
