Schools
Francis Wyman Lego Robotics Club a Success
The Lego Robotics Club wrapped up its first year on May 23, 2011
The first season of the Lego Robotics Club at wrapped up on Monday, May 24 and all in attendance deemed the experiment a success. The Lego Robotics Club attracted 35 fifth graders who were split into eleven teams. According to Francis Wyman Vice Principal Michael Giurlando, the students used kits to create robots, and in the process they learned much more than building and programming.
“This activity has been great for teaching these kids how to work together in teams, how to be flexible and creative,” said Guilando. “Best of all, they took risks and they figured the tasks out themselves.”
On the final day of the after-school club, parents were invited to see the robots in action and the children proudly displayed the results of their labors.
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Karen Ruping, mother of fifth grader Garett Ruping was enthusiastic.
“He’s had the Lego kit at home for two years but now, with the motivation of the older kids, he is more confident about using it on his own,” said Ruping. “I really like that this Club helped my son take his focus off gaming and onto programming which he may well end up doing in the future.”
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Barbara Mozzicato, mother of Allison agreed. “I like that she is being creative and using her thinking skills,” smiled Mozzicato. “And it’s always good to get more experience working in a team,” she added.
The Club was the brain child of Burlington High School graduating senior Gerry Pothier. Pothier has been a member of the BHS Robotic Club for four years and he was excited to bring the activity he loves to elementary school kids, including his own sister, fifth-grader Michelle Pothier.
“We need technology careers,” said Pothier with conviction. “This is the coup de gras of my high school robotics experience.”
Pothier is passionate about building Burlington’s robotics program and hopes that soon Burlington will have robotics programs at the elementary and middle school levels as well as at the high school level.
“I’d love to see every kid in Burlington have the opportunity to be a part of this program,” said Pothier. “I wish I had this when I was in elementary school.”
