After visiting two classrooms at Prine Elementary School in Bradenton, it was easy to see how Camp RISE is inspiring the next generation of engineers.
This summer learning program is inspiring students to think about technology and possible careers in the future.
Teamwork was the name of the game as rising fourth grade students built a fruit battery.
Using lemons, electrodes, a switch and wires, the class illustrated the chemical reaction that occurs in batteries - and learned how to read a voltmeter.
Another group nearby was proud to show off their creation that rang like an alarm clock, that they assembled with batteries, wires and magnets.
Camp RISE allows students to strengthen their reading proficiency and easily transition to the next grade level.
In a second classroom down the hallway, students were focusing on their project, using scissors, tape, paper, straws and string.
These future third graders are using simple supplies to create a robot hand.
The task seems simple enough, but the tape is sticky and causes frustration. "I can't do it," said one girl. "You can't do it...yet!" said another.
When asked about their encouraging words for one another, the students were excited to admit they learned it from a book they read earlier in the day.
The real magic was watching students light up when their "robotic fingers" were functional.
With a pull of the string, the paper fingertips curled towards their young inventors.
A bell rings and it's time for lunch. Pizza sticks were on today's menu - a favorite amongst the class.
Camp RISE is a great example of the Education with Innovation and Imagination offered by Manatee County public schools.