Julie Middleton, an instructor in a new elementary STEAM lab in Chelsea, AL, sought to introduce technology to her students. With a grant for Hummingbird Robotics Kits, she created an engaging and fun cross-curricular project for them.
After learning of her new role, Julie worked through the summer preparing lessons and planning student activities. Julie stated, “When I was informed that I would be assuming this role, I wanted to ensure that I provided unique opportunities for experiential and generative learning.” Realizing she needed robotics kits to accomplish some of her goals, she started to research grant funding and discovered the Rural Tech Fund.
With a starting project already in mind for her 5th-grade students, Julie received her Hummingbird Robotics sets and was ready to get to work. The project involved groups of students creating animals from recycled materials and using the robotics kits to bring them to life in various ways.
Check out these amazing projects in action!
“During the course of the project, the students engaged in research, conceptualization, prototype creation, design, coding, and robotics. Additionally, our students were encouraged to work as a team to complete challenges, be empowered through the application of knowledge, conceive innovative ideas, and learn to analyze issues and work to solve them.”
– Julie Middleton
This was the first time the school had utilized robotics technology, so Julie knew it would involve trial and error. The classes used the Birdbrain Technologies website, which has tutorials on how to utilize the robotic components, construct mechanisms to perform various functions, and use block coding sequences to command the robots. Julie said, “Although both the students and myself were intimidated by the technology, we realized it was much easier than anticipated because of the many resources provided.”
Julie’s students found great success with their projects! With various robotics components, animal movements, lights, and sounds, the classes put together an amazing showcase.
Next year, Julie plans to utilize the robots in an “Invention Through History” project. This project involves replicating an invention through a three-dimensional kinetic art form and then adding robotics to perform its functions. These creations will then be displayed at the community “Art in the Park” event. She also has planned various robotics and coding challenges across grade levels. We cannot wait to follow along!
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