Norwood students in grades 3-6 have been given a unique opportunity this fall to unleash their creativity and develop essential skills through Lego Robotics. Building on the success of previous years, students engaged in after-school sessions to cultivate their curiosity, persistence, and team-building abilities. They eagerly prepared to showcase their remarkable work at the upcoming district competition held in Durango, with the exciting prospect of advancing to the highly anticipated state competition next month in Denver. However, it is the recent focus on the innovation challenge that has truly captured their imagination.
In addition to the robotics game, where students design, program, and navigate missions with their robots, the initiative includes a separate innovation project. Each year, students worldwide are presented with a complex problem to solve. This year’s challenge posed the question: How can we utilize science and the arts to spark interest in our passions?
The bright minds of Norwood teams rallied behind one common goal: to inspire more individuals to engage in the world of Lego Robotics. “We want the second- and third-graders to get interested for next year,” shared Hazel Springer, a member of the Lone Cone Raiders. After careful consideration, the teams decided to leverage various media platforms to motivate their peers. While one group opted for social media outreach, the Raiders ventured down a more traditional path by employing print media. Their eye-catching, 8.5″x11″ posters can be found at the local grocery store and library, delivering a tangible invitation to experience the joy of robotics.
Last week, we had the privilege of sitting around the team’s table and immersing ourselves in their infectious enthusiasm for all things Lego. According to Kaden Donnellon, a team member who participated in last year’s state competition, Lego Robotics is a thrilling experience that brings people together. “It’s fun and you get to interact with robots and hang out with friends and family,” Kaden exclaimed. Another team member, Lexi Bray, highlighted the exhilaration of the competition. As she enters her second year in the program, she expressed her fascination with witnessing the robot’s actions unfold before her eyes. However, she humorously recounted a moment from last year when her team’s robot experienced a technical glitch and spun in circles for a brief period.
Murphy Hooper, a new addition to the team, shared his insight into the unpredictability of robots. “There’s a 60% chance that the robot will do what you tell it to do,” Murphy revealed. His role in coding and programming the robot has allowed him to appreciate the joy of issuing commands. To prepare for the upcoming district meet, Lexi Bray diligently led the team in discussing core values, an integral component of the program that they will showcase and discuss with the judges. As they organized papers into scoring categories, Bray emphasized the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship, which collectively contribute 25% of their overall score.
For those considering joining the Lego Robotics program next year, the club offers a final meeting this afternoon before the district competition. However, the students extend an invitation to their fellow schoolmates to engage in conversation and explore the possibilities that await them in the next program cycle. Lego Robotics is not just about building robots; it is an avenue for students to unlock their potential, explore new horizons, and ignite a passion for innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Lego Robotics?
Lego Robotics is an educational program that combines LEGO building activities with computer programming. It allows students to design, construct, and program robots using LEGO components, sensors, and motors.
2. What is the innovation challenge in Lego Robotics?
The innovation challenge in Lego Robotics is an additional component of the program where students are presented with a complex problem to solve. They must use their creativity, scientific knowledge, and artistic skills to find solutions that engage and inspire others.
3. How are students preparing for the district competition?
Students are honing their skills in building, programming, and teamwork to prepare for the district competition. They are also working on their core values, which include effective communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship, as these aspects contribute significantly to their overall score.
4. How can Lego Robotics inspire creativity and collaboration?
Lego Robotics provides a platform for students to explore their creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and collaborate with their peers. Through designing and programming robots, students learn to think critically, experiment, and work together to achieve shared goals.