While we at RTF regularly discuss projects involving robots, we don’t often get to talk about one of our favorite educational “toys” LEGOS! LEGOS are fun and have long been appreciated for the educational benefits they bring to students. This includes building patience, following instructions, creative thinking, teamwork and strengthening spatial awareness. Not only do students enjoy playing with LEGOS, but they learn while playing with them. Mrs. Nelson wanted to extend this to the STEM curricula for her students via a LEGO robot!
Vernie, the LEGO robot can be coded by students. There are five different robot models to build. The robot can then be programmed to sing, dance, sense distance, see objects and colors, show facial expressions, grip and carry accessories, and launch darts. Vernie can respond to verbal cues and show moods with facial expressions. The robot senses impact and knows when he is picked up. This project will support my students understanding of technology, math, science, and engineering. My students will be motivated and inspired to learn all these new skills. My students would love to build, code and interact with Vernie the LEGO robot!
Mrs. Nelson stressed how her 3rd to 5th graders would cultivate their interests and creativity together. Mrs. Nelson put it perfectly in that Vernie the robot would help her students “flourish their think tanks” . RTF couldn’t have been more pleased to help in this endeavor.
Mrs. Nelson has hared her thanks:
Thank you so much for your generous donation of the Lego Vernie the Robot. My third graders have been having a blast with him. They have learned how to follow directions very carefully and thoroughly. Watching them grow as programmers is amazing. Your assistance has helped my students grow their technological knowledge. I think that it is so neat that we can actually build five different robots with the kit. Each robot has different capabilities and programs. Again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
With gratitude,
Mrs. Nelson
We grew up with LEGOS (and are still big fans) and couldn’t be happier for them to be used in the classroom to further STEM education. The combination of creativity and hand on technical achievement cannot be rivaled! These students are well on their way towards bright futures in computer programming, engineering and entrepreneurism!
We as always enjoy hearing directly from the students themselves!
Katrina!
Alan Ray!
Callie!
Joe!
Adara
We’re thrilled to have made an impact on the community of Lake Andes, SD and its students and couldn’t thank the other donors more for their donations! Check out our blog, twitter and facebook pages for other editions of #RTFSharesThanks!
—
We’re trying to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities by helping introduce students to technology jobs and end generational poverty. Interested in making an impact in your community? E-mail us or consider donating to our general fund or contributing to our patreon.
