Last week, middle school students from across Dorchester County explored the world of robotics during a hands-on workshop hosted by Google. The event gave students the opportunity to build and operate “Claw Bots” while developing teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
Led by instructors from the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, the day began with a welcome from Google’s Lilyn Hester, Global Community Development and AI Lead, who outlined the day’s agenda and encouraged students to embrace creativity and collaboration. Students then worked together in teams to design, build, and test their robots before competing in friendly challenges that brought energy and excitement to the room.
Students from Palmetto Scholars Academy also volunteered as student mentors, guiding participants through the building process and offering valuable insight into robotics and teamwork. Their support helped ensure every group stayed engaged and successful throughout the day.
“This was more than a fun activity; it was a meaningful learning experience that sparked curiosity and confidence,” said Jeffrey Beckwith, Superintendent of Dorchester School District Four. “It was refreshing to see so many middle school students engaged, working together for such an extended period of time. We hope to offer more experiences like this in the future.”
Dorchester School District Four extends its appreciation to Principal Benji Kennedy and the Woodland Middle School team for moving quickly to host this event in DD4. Their preparation and teamwork ensured a smooth and engaging day for all participants.
Google has been part of South Carolina for more than 15 years, operating data centers in Berkeley and Dorchester Counties. The company recently announced a $9 billion investment through 2027 to expand Cloud and AI infrastructure and continue supporting education and workforce development programs across the state.
For Dorchester School District Four, the workshop reflected the district’s ongoing commitment to connecting students with real-world learning experiences that inspire innovation and a lifelong love of STEM.