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Published on Oct 2, 2018
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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
The need for people in STEM-related careers is at an all-time high. Science, tech, engineering and math fields are looking for people who can think critically, solve problems and work with science and math concepts with ease. For years, much of this type of work has been outsourced to other countries, but with the growing dependence on tech, domestic businesses are also increasing hires in these fields.
While teachers are preparing students for their potential careers, they are also imparting the many other benefits of bringing STEM concepts into the classroom. One way to do this is through robotics. While building robotic figures and getting them to work, students learn skills like mechanics, engineering, coding and more.
It is no wonder robotics is increasingly popular in schools. Not only do students love doing the work, but teachers see the incredible benefits, including:
The next step is deciding how to introduce robotics and in what context. Here are a few ideas.
Students who are beginning the journey into robotics can start by practicing some of the fundamental skills. Robotics designers and engineers must be excellent at finding patterns. Students can start by creating and completing simple visual patterns with geometric shapes and move on to more complex written or verbal patterns. In addition, robotics engineers have to find ways to give directions to their creations. Practicing speaking and writing detailed directions can help prep students for a robotics experience.
Check out books about engineering, coding and robotics from the school library. Read about famous inventors and consider how they went from idea to product. Then, read fiction books about robots. Let students imagine all the possibilities. Grounding students in both the practical and the fantastical when it comes to robots can help them accomplish great things.
If you have no idea how to get students building actual robots in class, do a quick search for classroom robotics kits. You will find plenty of options out there. If the kits are beyond your budget, write a grant, complete an online request for donors to help out or ask parents to pitch in. While you are waiting for the funding and kits to come through, prep your students with the above options.
If you are interested in working with students on engaging, future-focused lessons in robotics, consider the Master of Education in Secondary STEM Education degree program offered by Grand Canyon University.
To learn more about how Grand Canyon University’s College of Education provides teachers with the best ways to incorporate student interest with vital curricular knowledge, visit our website or click the Request More Information Button on this page.
