IEEE Computer Society Junior Camp: Giving Students and Teachers Hands-On STEAM Experiences

The benefits of STEAM methodology for students abound, from advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills to the application of abstract mathematical concepts and even frustration management. But STEAM learning can be difficult because it is hard to build STEM hands-on learning opportunities within the confines of a traditional classroom.

To introduce a new way to incorporate STEAM for teachers and students, we held the IEEE CS Junior Camp at the Espacio Ciencia facilities within LATU (Uruguayan Technological Laboratory) in Montevideo, Uruguay, from 2 to 3 October 2025. The sessions exposed participants to drone programming for kids, Micro:bit student projects, and educational technology workshops. The result was a win for inclusive STEAM education programs in Latin America—and a prototype for STEAM learning worldwide.

Solving Problems with Programming and Various Technologies

The program presented students with three challenges using a STEAM framework. To solve each challenge, students had to manipulate drones and programmable boards using Micro:bits.

The reactions were very positive:

• All students said they would recommend participation to a friend.
• 75% of student respondents preferred the drone programming, saying it was engaging, motivating, and enjoyable, while the remaining 25% also liked the piano programming activity.
• Survey responses also indicated that students enjoyed learning things they had never been exposed to before, exploring new technologies, and working with students from other institutions.

Inclusive, Balanced, Mixed STEAM Learning

The event united 69 students and 14 teachers hailing from six institutions, both public and private.

Instead of having students work with their immediate peers, the program used inter-institutional groups consisting of learners from different schools. Overall, this approach was a hit, with 10 out of 12 responding students saying they liked working with those from other schools.

An Inclusive Learning Environment

The program also succeeded in piquing the interest of girls in STEM and STEAM learning. A total of 53% of participants were female. A total of 42% of survey respondents were girls, and all of them said they would want to do a similar activity again.

Teaching the Teachers

The program also wove in a “Teach the Teachers” component. Educators engaged in a workshop focused on both the STEAM methodology and demonstrations of technologies they can use in the classroom.

Like the students, the teachers responded positively to their experience, both in their workshop and in what their students did. In response to a survey:

• 100% of teachers said they were “Very satisfied” with the camp in general.
• 100% of respondents rated the camp’s content as either “Excellent” or “Good.”
• 100% of the teachers were either “Very satisfied” or “Satisfied” with their workshop.

One of the highlights of the camp for teachers was seeing how students learn to code with Micro:bits. They got to experience students discovering these and other technologies in real time. They found the curriculum engaging, with all respondents reporting that students were either “Highly motivated” or “Motivated” while participating.

The Effectiveness of IEEE CS Initiatives for Pre-University Students

There are several programming, and drone-based learning challenges for schools, such as a lack of faculty expertise and the funds to purchase the necessary technologies. Through programs like the Junior Camp, IEEE CS helps bridge the gap between pre-university students and the skills and tech that can expand their career possibilities.

Bring these opportunities to your community by hosting a CS Juniors program. Learn more here.