After four weeks dedicated to discovering engineering and robotics, the Rob9-16 holiday programme came to a close with the “Live Energy” project, which ran from 20 to 24 July, challenging participants to develop a robotic system capable of automatically tracking sunlight to maximise energy production.

Throughout the week, children and young people aged 9 to 16 combined programming, electronics, 3D modelling and sustainability to build a “technological sunflower,” fitted with light sensors, servomotors, a solar panel and a screen where they could track, in real time, the voltage being produced and the direction of strongest light incidence.

As is customary at Rob9-16, the project was complemented by a range of practical and playful activities. Between physics challenges, scientific experiments, 3D modelling, programming with Arduino and even a rocket powered by a chemical reaction, participants had the chance to immediately apply theoretical concepts, making learning more dynamic and fun.

For 14-year-old Tomás Ferreira, the experience far exceeded his expectations. “I loved it, I really enjoyed the project we’re doing.”

Already interested in pursuing Science and, later, Engineering, he believes this way of learning makes all the difference. “We learn the theory and then put it straight into practice. It’s not like that at school, and I think it should work more that way.”

Tomás also highlighted the closeness with the mentors as one of the aspects he valued most during the week. “I really like this closeness between educator and student. It makes you want to come so much more.”

Emma Pontes Geraldes, also 14, took part in Rob9-16 for the first time. Although she singled out Taekwondo as one of her favourite activities of the week, she found the robotics project equally interesting and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. “The activities are fun and interesting.”

Among the youngest participants, 9-year-old Luca Tocha shared his enthusiasm for the different experiences over the course of the week. “We learned to work with Arduino, we built a rocket and we also did the challenge of dropping an egg without breaking it.”

As for the main project, he easily explains how it works: “It’s a solar panel that follows the Sun to capture energy better.”

An experience that goes beyond robotics

For the mentors, this final week also marked the culmination of an intense month of work.

Afonso Gonçalves, a student in the Bachelor’s programme in Electronics Engineering and one of those responsible for the activities, explains that this was a particularly special year, as it was the first time they ran four consecutive weeks of activities.

Over the course of the month, participants built a Wi-Fi-controlled car, a smart safe, a smart city and, finally, a solar tracker, exploring different areas of engineering.

In addition to the technology projects, new additions were introduced, such as Taekwondo classes and oral hygiene awareness sessions, aiming to provide a more well-rounded and balanced experience.

According to the mentor, the goal is to show that engineering doesn’t happen only in front of a computer. “It’s important for them to understand that there’s also room for sport, looking after your health and teamwork,” he said.

Record turnout

This summer’s edition was also marked by the highest number of participants ever.

Over the four weeks, around 90 children and young people took part in Rob9-16, filling nearly all of the available places. For Afonso Gonçalves, the turnout exceeded expectations. “We weren’t expecting to fill almost every week.”

Feedback gathered from participants and their families has been very positive, reflecting the balance between technological learning, hands-on activities and time spent together.

A month awakening future engineers

Over the four weeks, Rob9-16 once again proved itself to be much more than a holiday programme. Between programming, electronics, 3D printing, physics, robotics and teamwork challenges, dozens of young people had the chance to engage, hands-on, with different areas of engineering, discovering new skills and, in many cases, strengthening their desire to pursue this academic path.

For Afonso Gonçalves, this early exposure can be decisive. “Many participants already come with a strong interest in engineering, and these experiences help them get a clearer sense of the path they want to follow.”

But the learning goes both ways. “We learn a lot from them too. They often have different ideas, ask unexpected questions and push us to think differently,” Afonso adds.

With another edition of the Summer Holiday programme now over, it leaves behind a month marked by curiosity, creativity and a desire to learn. Four weeks, four different projects, and dozens of young people returning home not just with a robot or a model built with their own hands, but also with a closer view of the world of science, technology and engineering.