Two dozen Grade 8 students from Normandeau School and Escuela Vista Grande put their creativity and problem-solving skills to work during a hands-on technology camp at Red Deer Polytechnic, exploring new interests while developing practical skills they can carry into life beyond school.
Held last week, the Drive the Circuit camp was the first Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI) camp of the school year. Students spent the day assembling motorized cars, applying their skills in electrical circuits and soldering while using a variety of tools to bring their projects to life.
Throughout the camp, students developed fine motor skills, precision and attention to detail as they built and programmed a motherboard to help their cars successfully navigate a track. At the end of the day, students took their completed cars home.
"Opportunities like this allow students to discover what they enjoy while learning skills they can apply in so many different areas," said Renee Rudolph, Careers Engagement Coordinator with Red Deer Public Schools. "They're not just following instructions to build a car. They're experimenting, solving problems and figuring out how different components work together. That kind of hands-on learning can spark an interest they may want to explore further."
Through CACI camps, Red Deer Public Schools connects students with practical, career-focused learning experiences that introduce them to different fields, technologies and potential pathways for the future. By giving students opportunities to try something new, the camps help them identify their interests and strengths while building skills that support their future education, career choices and everyday lives.
"Preparing students for life after grade school means helping them discover their interests and giving them opportunities to develop the skills they'll need for whatever comes next," said Renee. "When students can apply what they're learning to a real project, they begin to see what's possible and where their passions might take them."
