Our Lady of Lourdes School adds robotics program to enhance STEM education at all grade levels

Friday, Jan. 15, 2016

SALT LAKE CITY — Students at Our Lady of Lourdes School are building and programming robots in the classroom this year, adding new dimensions to learning and enhancing their technological literacy.  

With funding from a grant, technology teacher and Assistant Vice-principal JC De Astis introduced the new robotics program, littleBits, in the fall. These powerful snap-together electronic elements allow learners of all ages to create an array of interactive projects and robotics. 

“We are committed to providing state-of-the-art education experiences for our students to prepare them for the future,” said Principal Christine Bergquist.

The new robotics program is being incorporated into the curriculum for all grades in the school. Students in kindergarten through fourth grade are “junior testers;” as such, they observe, help and even evaluate projects. Instruction for students in grades 5-6 includes learning basic computer programming by performing a series of commands with the littleBits components. 

Middle-school students, who were the first to be introduced to the program, are challenged to create a robot that can accomplish specific tasks. Working in groups, the students build the robot, then test, troubleshoot and redesign the program until the robot is able to perform the tasks. 

“It was really fun,” said eighth-grader Alicia.  “I liked figuring out how the components worked together.”

Throughout the process, the students record their observations, work cooperatively and problem solve with their partners, and communicate their results. This allows for cross-curricular learning by integrating engineering and technology with math, literacy, science and social studies.

“Once students have an understanding of the sequence of computer program commands that are required to do very specific tasks, they will be prepared to learn more complicated computer programming in the future with greater ease,” De Astis said.

Eighth-grader Tino said, “I didn’t think it was something I’d be interested in, but I really enjoyed it!”

STEM education is a national initiative to ensure that all students understand how to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to solve problems.  

The hands-on nature of robotics makes STEM subjects less intimidating for many students.  

“At Lourdes, we are striving to provide new learning opportunities for our students and to integrate technology into all areas of learning,” De Astis said.

Courtesy of Our Lady of Lourdes School