Robotics in Elementary

A few days ago I was asked to share my experience with FIRST Robotics in Elementary. Preparing for this interview made me reflect on the value of having a robotics program, of any kind, in every school.

How has the ASFM FIRST program impacted you?

Through tech classes elementary students have always been exposed to building and programming robots for several years now. However, last year we learned about FIRST robotics and introduced the FIRST Lego League in Elementary as an extracurricular activity. We started with one group of students and this year we had another group of kids for the Lego league and expanded to 3 groups for the First Lego League Jr. We have seen an increased interest in students wanting to participate. Although students continue to experience robotics in their regular tech classes, the FIRST Lego League extra curricular activity has a competitive component as well as collaborating to solve a real world problem.

Why is FIRST essential to learning at ASFM?

I think learning robotics and coding in general is essential for young students to learn. Robotics is an excellent way to practice all about STEM. I believe it provides experiences through which students develop skills that otherwise they would not have had. The FIRST robotics program is very well structured and is guided by their core values. It offers opportunities to practice STEM skills as well as skills for their SEL.

Cheers!


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