Zimmer-Biomet Donation Paves Way to WCS Robotics Showcase
Through a donation from a local orthopedics business, Warsaw Community Schools students are receiving an opportunity to work hands on with robotics in their classrooms.
According to Washington STEM Academy teacher David Burden, a donation from Zimmer-Biomet, Warsaw, totaling $20,000 has allowed students in all eight WCS elementary schools to utilize a total of 12 Vex robots per school. While learning the fundamentals of how robots work, students are also learning to think critically while working as a team.
Although some schools within the district were equipped with robots prior to the donation, Burden noted through this donation, WCS was able to achieve a major goal of the district: unifying educational offerings.
“It has given a level playing field giving students at every school a chance to participate in robotics education,” stated Burden. “We now have robotics education and participation at all schools creating viable curriculum that allows consistency across each elementary school.”
“For the sponsors, one of the most rewarding aspects is seeing students actively sharing their knowledge and new discoveries with each other” explained Rick Glass, Harrison teacher. “While working toward the success of their group is important, the students have also learned that everyone benefits from overall successes of the team. Equally important to sharing success is sharing failures. Students are quick to share those as well.”
To celebrate the success of students in the program, a showcase will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 14, at the Warsaw Community High School Career Center gym. The inaugural elementary robotics showcase will include concessions, eight rounds of sumo battles and a complete maze challenge open to the entire community to enjoy. Admission to the event is free.
“We are very thankful to Zimmer-Biomet for investing in STEM education that transcends to all of our schools,” noted Dr. David Hoffert, WCS superintendent. “Their generous donation enabled us to start this district-wide showcase. We are looking forward to watching it grow as a display of Warsaw Community Schools commitment to our local industrial partners.”
