OMSI visits Washougal for robotics workshop

Washougal — Hathaway Elementary School third-graders received a visit from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry pit crew June 5 to learn about engineering. The hands-on workshop open to girls allowed students to create their own car design with a variety of materials supplied by the museum. The students were expected to continually alter their designs to complete a series of challenges, including driving down a ramp, stopping in a target and finding ways to keep their toy “drivers” belted on the car. “We want to begin inspiring these girls to pursue engineering, science and exploration and help to increase their curiosity,” Nita Young, a Hathaway third-grade teacher, said in a release from the district. “They are learning, too, that it is OK to have your hypothesis proven wrong and to keep testing your ideas.” Jaymi McQueen, also a third-grade teacher at the school, said the workshop was designed in hopes of giving girls a greater interest in the sciences and encouraging them to be a part of the Robotics Club next year, according to the release.