LMS Students Build Skills With S.T.E.M. Education
By DANI BARKEY
Chief Accountability Officer, Warsaw Community Schools
Lakeview Middle School students in the Gateway to Technology Robotics program integrate S.T.E.M. concepts every day.
Working as a team, students apply math and science knowledge as they brainstorm ideas to create a robot that will help them understand the many uses of technology. Students have learned that robots can work in hazardous conditions that are not safe for humans. Robots are also used in repetitive jobs or to lift things humans cannot. Because they can be designed to be extremely small, they can be used in dangerous situations, such as a building that may collapse.
In teams students worked together, learned and practiced communication, and utilized teamwork skills to build their robot. Students had to be able to follow technical instructions, use tools that many had never used before, and learn about how gears work.
After building their robots, teams competed against each other. In order to be successful in the competition, students had to identify strengths of each group member. Some excelled at using a joystick while others gave excellent instructions. The competition required picking up an item and transporting it, setting it down on top of a tower, or depositing into a container. Points were earned for various operations.
Groups had to use strategies and teamwork to be successful. Team members also had to work within set time restraints. Teams with the most points continued on in the competition.
As students gain more experience in various S.T.E.M. concepts, they will continue to apply 21st century skills to improve their world.