More than building robots
Westbury Youth Centre/Mashup launched a new program - Coding and Robotics. The program aims to provide Westbury youngsters with an opportunity to learn how to program their robots and gain real-world problem-solving experience!
WYC/Mashup Coding and Robotics Program
In partnership with FIRST® LEGO® League, WYC/Mashup launched the Coding and Robotics Program. The program will provide a unique opportunity for Grade 7 to Grade 10 youngsters in the community of Westbury and surrounding areas, to learn basic coding and robots programming, as well as developing an understanding of how science, engineering, math, and technology work together and interact. Through robotics, students can learn more than just how to code. They can learn skills in leadership, community involvement, communicating across different technology platforms, finding their passions, and teamwork, which will position them for success well beyond their school years. Most importantly, it will offer our students an alternative to violence and drugs and give them a chance in life to succeed.
WYC/Mashup applied for three robots that will be used by the six Robotics Coaches and the students who will enrol in the Robotics Program. Guided by adult Coaches and Mentors from Mashup, students will develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles (like keeping an engineering notebook) while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. The robot kit is reusable from year to year and can be programmed using a variety of languages, including Java. Teams also must raise funds, design, and market their team brand, and do community outreach for which they can win awards.
On 23rd July, 5 young people began their first class for Coding and Robotics in WYC. With the support of the coaches, the young learners engaged with the components of the Spike Prime robotics set and learnt about the different sensors, and how to make the motors move with basic coding! They did an amazing job to built their first robots and engineered mission models!
Robatics Coaches and young learners in the first class
WYC/Mashup Qualified Robotics Coaches
Congratulations to Ashley Bailey, Jolene Van Der Ross, Justin George, Keenan Stewart, Leo Solomons, and Tasneem Sons on their i-set robotics - Components and Pedagogy qualification. They are now equipped to teach the basics of robotics in education (programming, technology, and pedagogy) in terms of knowledge, skills, and values.
WYC/Mashup Robotics Coaches
WYC/Mashup Coding and Robotics Workshop
In April, WYC/Mashup in partnership with Unite Siyafunda (USIYA), held a Robotics and Coding Workshop with the main objective of educating young people on how they can better prepare for their future by integrating technology into their communities and providing youth with the opportunity for empowerment in STEM and Robotics and Coding, and various other open learning faculties.
Click to watch the video on WYC Facebook
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