Hamilton High School’s Charger Robotics Team brings hands-on STEM learning to district elementary schools through a new outreach event called “STEM Blast Off.” The program is designed to spark curiosity and excitement about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through fun, interactive activities led by high school students.
“For many of us, it was incredibly meaningful to return to our old elementary schools and give back to the next generation,” says Hamilton High School junior and Charger Robotics co-lead Abbie Dong. “Seeing the excitement in the students’ eyes reminded us why we fell in love with STEM in the first place,” she adds.
High school students visited all four Hamilton School District elementary schools during the months of October and November to introduce STEM experiences to more than 800 third and fourth grade students.
“I attended the Maple Elementary STEM Blast, the school I had gone to years ago,” shares Hamilton High School junior Elise Fuhr. “I remember doing activities like this when I was a kid. That is what inspired me to go into STEM and robotics. I got to enjoy seeing many students experiencing the same passion spark I once started with,” Fuhr adds.
Charger Robotics members guided younger students through each station, offering mentorship, encouragement and relatable role models. Elementary students rotated through a variety of activities where they experienced things like driving a robot built by Charger Robotics, building a tower using marshmallows and skewers and experimenting with circuits. Each student received a STEM passport, which is stamped at every station they visit.
“The kids seemed to be most excited about driving the robots themselves and having hands-on projects to do,” says Charger Robotics advisor Morgan Swartzendruber. “I loved seeing the elementary students asking the Charger Robotics students for directions and, in return, watching them help the kids problem-solve.”
Research consistently shows that students introduced to STEM at a young age are more likely to pursue STEM careers later in life. This was a driving force behind the organizers’ mission to bring STEM Blast Off events to younger students.
The community is invited to see the Charger Robotics Team in action during the Sussex Scrimmage on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Hamilton High School where their large FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) robot will compete against other teams. The event is free to attend. For more information about Charger Robotics, visit www.ChargerRobotics.org.