Young patients get their game on during third annual Gator Engineering Day

On Friday, Aug. 1, Patients at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital had the opportunity to interact with soccer-themed game systems that University of Florida students developed in an introductory engineering design course.

The incoming freshman students attended a summer class specifically designed to help them successfully transition into the UF College of Engineering, with fun and engaging projects that have real world applications. This summer, inspired by the World Cup, they were tasked with designing an autonomous mechanical soccer player that is programmed to kick a ball into a goal. Their instructor designed the “goalie.”

Patients got to judge the students’ work by choosing their favorite game, while students were able to teach young people about the engineering behind the game systems, reinforcing what they’ve learned in class.

[slideshow url="engineering-day-2014"]