Inspiring the next generation of scientists

A group of middle school girls saw firsthand how science and technology are changing the world during a hands-on workshop hosted by the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).

The girls, participants in the Tech Savvy summer program, learned about robotics and 3D printing during a day of interactive lessons in the basement of Northwest Hall on July 26.

Colette Abah, a research fellow in the lab of Conor Walsh, John L. Loeb Associate Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences, explained how soft robots, made from flexible materials, can perform certain tasks that traditional, rigid robots cannot, such as search and rescue operations in dangerous environments. She described how researchers study biological processes, like the movements of an octopus, when developing soft robots. 

“I want the students to realize how easy it is for them to create their own soft robotic systems using household materials,” she said. “It is often hard for students to realize how much potential they have.”

Abah led the students as they created miniature soft robotic grippers. The girls carefully constructed molds for their grippers using cardboard, string, and acetate. Once the molds were ready, they poured in liquefied rubber and then heated their devices in an oven to create malleable, cross-shaped grippers.

Seventh-graders Elizabeth Kudinova and Eloisa Salcedo, and sixth-grader Manasa Rajesh (left to right) collaborate to create a mold for their soft robotic gripper. (Photo by Adam Zewe/SEAS Communications.)

The hardest part of making the soft robotic gripper was tracing and cutting around the intricate template, said Elizabeth Kudinova, 12, a seventh-grader at Boston’s St. Columbkille School.

“This project made me more aware of the many types of robotics,” she said. “I was surprised by how different soft robots look and feel from the kinds of robots I knew about.”

Students also learned about the computer science side of robotics by trying their hands at programming the Root robot, developed by the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering. Using a simple, image-based language, students programmed the small robot to roll across a white board and draw with a colored marker.

Alana Tow, 13, an eighth-grader at Pollard Middle School in Needham, Mass., enjoyed the challenge of programming the robot to trace the letters of her name.  

“This kind of robot would definitely be useful in schools, since it is easy to use,” she said. “I’ve learned that you can make robots do just about anything.”

Eighth-grader Alana Tow watches as Wyss research assistant Raphael Cherney programs the Root robot to draw on a whiteboard. (Photo by Adam Zewe/SEAS Communications.)

In addition to hands-on robotics lessons, the students also explored the possibilities of 3D printing by designing personalized key chains using Tinkercad, a web-based Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program. They watched, wide-eyed, as the 3D printer created a pattern with colorful plastic.

Nicole Black, graduate research fellow in the lab of Jennifer A. Lewis, Hansjorg Wyss Professor of Biologically Inspired Engineering, taught the students the basics of CAD. She talked about the many advantages of 3D printing, which can enable the production of cost-effective prototypes, but also the downsides and limitations of the new technology.

“It is so important for girls to have female role models in science and engineering,” Black said. “I want them to realize that they could work in these fields someday.” 

Harvard was one site during the weeklong Tech Savvy program, which featured workshops hosted by several universities in the Boston area. At each university, the girls learned about innovations in different areas of science and technology, from mobile app development to bridge design. The goal of the annual program is to fuel girls’ interests in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

“Not only do these girls get to visit different universities and learn about what college is like, but they also get to see how science and technology play a huge role in everyday life,” said Kathryn Hollar, director of educational programs at SEAS. “Programs like this, which offer hands-on activities, will help keep these girls inspired.”

Colette Abah, research fellow at SEAS, teaches the middle school girls about soft robotics. (Photo by Adam Zewe/SEAS Communications.)