Traditionally, in autumn, NGO “Association Noosphere” holds the VEX RoboWeek STEM course for children from Dnipro. This year, the theme of the event was “Martian Mathematical Expedition”, so on October 29 and 30, the participants performed robotic tasks on the red planet. The event was held as part of the EU programming week and the Meet and Code initiative, which is implemented with the support of the GURT Resource Center in cooperation with the organizations TechSoup Europe and Stifter-helfen der Haus des Stiftens with funding from SAP.
Over two days, teens aged 12 to 16 gathered to learn how to build and program robots using VEX GO kits. They put their new skills to the test through competitions. The robots they built were designed to complete various Martian tasks: collecting and transporting geological samples, lifting and landing a helicopter and spaceship, moving solar panels, and more. Throughout these challenges, participants developed teamwork, accountability, strategic thinking, and creative problem-solving skills.
Twelve-year-old Arina Murashova is no newcomer to Noosphere events. It was through these programs that she first discovered robotics and began to explore her interest in the field.
“Robotics is fascinating and cool. I love the technology and programming aspect. You insert one gear, then another, and another. They all work together, relying on each other,” Arina shared.
She dreams of creating and programming a robotic tiger as both a pet and a protector.
Another twelve-year-old, Aliona Velychko, was experiencing robotics for the first time and was so inspired that she’s now considering it as a future career.
“I love teamwork—building, programming, and seeing the results of our efforts,” she said.
Meanwhile, Timur Stasiuk, also twelve, is certain that robotics will play a role in his future. Though he dreams of a career in soccer, he also believes robotics has significant military potential.
“If I could build and program any robot, I’d make one that could help our armed forces defend against enemy forces,” he asserted.
This year’s STEM course was designed to promote gender equality, with separate groups of girls and boys completing the tasks. Each group was divided into teams, and they trained and competed against one another. The girls excelled in strategic thinking, while the boys were more inventive in their approaches to the challenges.
Sixteen-year-old Tymur Antonenko, who has a passion for programming and is currently developing an artillery simulator game, was drawn to VEX RoboWeek after watching videos about robot building and programming on YouTube. He sees the stereotype that boys and girls excel in different fields as outdated.
“The difference between boys and girls is just prejudice. It doesn’t affect skills and knowledge,” he believes.
“Girls may seem delicate or weak, but in reality, we’re strong, regardless of stereotypes,” added Arina Murashova.
All participants received gifts and certificates from the Association Noosphere, along with valuable skills, new friends, and lasting memories.
