Hands-on STEM Learning Shines at Project CODER Summer Camp
During the summer of 2025, the Snap Inc. Institute for Technology & Education at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) partnered with the City of Carson’s Parks and Recreation Department to lead a second round of Project CODER (Computing Opportunities for Discovery and Engagement through Robotics), a six-week STEM summer camp for students ages 7 to 12.
More than 115 campers participated in either Level 1 for newcomers or Level 2 for returning students, engaging in hands-on learning with Bee-Bots and other educational robots. Campers explored foundational computer science concepts such as sequencing, algorithms, debugging, and spatial reasoning, while also being introduced to block-based coding. Bee-Bots played a central role in these experiences, offering a fun and accessible way for students to develop computational thinking through interactive, screen-free challenges.
The camp concluded with a field trip to the CSUDH campus and a culminating showcase event where students shared their projects with over 100 family and community members. One of the most popular exhibits featured student-designed Bee-Bot mat challenges. Working in teams, campers created original challenges and obstacle courses that applied their coding knowledge in creative and strategic ways, inviting visitors to try and solve them. Other activities on display included obstacle courses and dance algorithms that highlighted the students’ growing skills in programming, problem-solving, and collaboration. During the event, students were recognized with awards celebrating their creativity, teamwork, and perseverance. To close out the celebration, a Bee-Bot was raffled off to one lucky student, compliments of Terrapin. The giveaway added an extra spark of excitement and capped off a summer filled with exploration, learning, and fun.
Contact Information
| Name | Ashley Ruiz |
| Position | SITE Director of Partnerships & Grants |
| School | California State University, Dominguez Hills |
| Location | Carson, CA |
| aruiz99@csudh.edu | |
| Website | https://www.csudh.edu/coe/centers-partnerships/site/ |
| Tags | Bee-Bot, California, STEM/STEAM, Coding, Science, Teacher Training, Elementary, Professional Development, Research |
| Age | Ages 7–12 |