COMMUNITY SERVICE

The summer of 2019 was the third year for Radlab’s participation in the Upward Bound program. Students in this program must qualify for acceptance and are the first in their families to attend college. Over a five-week, four-days per week term, these students take a variety of courses that include both core subjects and electives. The Radlab’s elective course was entitled “Innovative IT.” Students in the course were selected by the Upward Bound program staff based on their interest in STEM/STEAM education. In 2019 we had one section of young women and one section of young men.

The course covered the following topics:

• “Hologram” projectors to view 3D videos using Pepper’s Ghost technique by building a plastic structure used in conjunction with existing 3D videos;

• Virtual reality experiences;

• Creation of an augmented reality project about a person known in technology or science and present to the library;

• Capture 360-degree photospheres of areas around campus;

• Design thinking activity to create a prototype of a chair that corresponded to the needs of a “client.”;

• Real-world design thinking activity;

• Development of personalized skills for Amazon Alexa Dot;

• Drone flight and programming using Scratch.

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In addition, students were able to listen to presentations by Creighton staff members.

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Students are provided with the materials for the projects which they are able to keep, take home, and continue their exploration. During previous years students have also built small robotic vehicles and Raspberry Pi computers.

The Radlab also offered a drone aviation course for students. In this program, students received a pro-consumer drone, were taught the FAA rules and regulations, learned how to fly drones, and took the FAA remote pilot exam to become professional drone pilots.

Radlab student interns assisted with all of the classes.

We look forward to future opportunities to work with Upward Bound.

High School and Elementary School Visitors

The Radlab has hosted a number of high school and elementary school students. During their visits we provide experiences appropriate to the age group. This has included virtual and augmented reality experiences, exposure to Sansar, the 3D virtual social platform, opportunity to fly mini drones, and XBox 360 games with Kinect Sensor displayed on a giant screen from a Canon projector. The purpose of these activities is to promote interest in technology fields for these students.

Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum

The Radlab has had the privilege of collaborating with the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum on several occasions. This has included two years with the Drone Expo where the Radlab hosted tables and sponsored mini drone flights for children. In addition, the Radlab has participated in a summer camp for children where the Radlab presented and assisted.