Students blend robotics, environment and art at Newport nature center

The Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach and Girls Inc. offered students from across Orange County a chance to flex their artistic and scientific muscles Friday afternoon.

The Art and Robotics event at the nature center welcomed students in third through eighth grades to learn the basics of robotic construction and programming. Students also were invited to build their own robots and take them home.

The one-day program was meant to help children discover how technology relates to the environment, according to the nature center’s education director, Lori Whalen.

The center is home to walking trails and 15 types of California native plants.

Girls Inc., a national nonprofit with sites in all 50 states, works to provide girls with mentorship and educational programs.