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A state-of-the-art robot dog, Bode, made an appearance and garnered much attention and applause during the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School’s (CHS) STEAM Day on Monday, March 21. 

The SIUE School of Engineering (SOE) brought Bode to kick off the day of activities and games featuring science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). 

“Our main objective is to get CHS students excited about engineering,” said SOE Dean Cem Karacal, PhD. “We want them to see that engineering is part of real-life application. Robots are used on construction sites, in search and rescue endeavors and more.” 

“Robotics are part of our daily life,” added SOE Associate Dean and Professor Chris Gordon, PhD, who operated Bode’s controls, “and there are a lot of opportunities for careers in engineering and technology.” 

Makel Wells, a junior who wants to major in engineering, enjoyed seeing Bode in action. “I want to make a robot for cooking,” he said. “Everyone has need for cooking, but not everyone knows how to cook. But if there was a robot for it, all you would have to do is to get the food items and put them in a certain location.” 

“I thought it was cool how they could get the robot to do an activity like walk upstairs,” said junior Terrell Rey. “They say that he can lift up to 30 lbs.” 

“Our students are showing a growing interest and love for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, and we couldn’t be happier about it,” said Liza Cummings, PhD, CHS STEM instructional coordinator and STEAM Day project leader with Stephanie Newton, CHS literary specialist. 

“I liked all the games today. They were fun,” said sophomore Danica Davis, who wants to become an anesthesiologist. “Participating in and learning about STEAM will help me in the long run.” 

Charles Shaw Jr., a junior who has plans to become an engineer, said he found STEAM Day enjoyable and challenging. In the paper airplane contest, Shaw’s creation was one of the few that flew past the measured landing strip to land at 37 feet and 7 inches. 

“I want to make cities better,” said Shaw. “When my mother and I drive around the streets of East St. Louis, I see abandoned houses and decay. I want to make sewers, streets and everything better. I want to improve the city.”

“Throughout STEAM Day, students were able to see science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics in action,” said Newton. “Students enjoyed making catapults, crystals and ice cream, building bridges and towers out of straw, and exploring so much more.” 

“Dr. Cummings had this vision that STEAM awareness was critical for the advancement of our Urban scholars,” said CHS Director Gina Jeffries, EdD, “and each year it continues to grow and offer more activities and community partners.” 

Other CHS team members engaging students in STEAM activities included: Mildred Fort, Agathe Ilunga, Ron Irving, Hope Jordan, Carolyn Kribs, Edith Laktzian, Greg Laktzian, Bridget Nelson, Colin Neumeyer, Johnathan Tate, Anna Turner, Aaron Vance and Nate Williams, PhD. 

The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students' talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century. 

Photos:
CHS student Lorenzo Bruce-Dutary III checks out robot dog, Bode.  CHS students Quanzelle Anesca (left) and Dorian Akins race against the clock to piece together a pi puzzle.

CHS student Cayman Rodgers (left) works on the Cereal Challenge, while Ajahnay Doss (left) tries her hand at the Paint Challenge. 

CHS student Jamal Ray (right) participates in the Dry Ice Challenge, and Aja Anesca (right) takes her turn with the Soda and Mentos Challenge, as CHS math instructor George Laktzian observes.