Robots, Bugs, and End of the Year Activities

Robots: Peaslee School students learned about robots with the help of  Ken Stafford, director of Robotics Resource Center at Worcester Polytechnic Institute; and Steve Kaneb, student and Robotics Team member.

They brought along the robot that competed and won in a 2007 robotics championship, which involved eight countries and over 1400 worldwide teams. Each team had about six weeks to think of an idea for their project, gather all parts needed and actually make it work. 

This robot was able to pick up a pool inner tube from the floor and hang it.

Stafford joked with the students as he wondered how many of them needed one of these robots to help clean their rooms at home.

In a Q&A session, students learned that a robot can be made of metal and plastic and must be able to interact in the physical environment. The machinery used for the robot’s brain makes a robot a robot, explained Stafford. 

Students were engaged as they found out that the robot they were watching was built by students from scratch and not from a kit. 

A few lucky students were able to volunteer and control the robot.

Stafford offered some advice to students who were interested in building robots. “Learn to be group workers, enjoy mathematics and science, and solve problems.”

WPI does offer junior robotic workshops for ages nine and up.

Bugs: The Kindergarten classes at had a bug experience yesterday, which reinforced the insect curriculum they have covered this year. 

It was a very hands-on and interactive, hour long presentation courtesy of Andrea Kozol of Bugworks. 

Kozol commented that “all insects have six legs, two antennas, and three body parts, including a head, thorax, and abdomen.” She proceeded to show students her bug collection and discuss what they were, what they eat, and some of the specific characteristics they had. Students had the opportunity to hold or touch some of the bugs during the presentation.

A Great Asian Mantis, Stick Bug, Grasshopper, and Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches were among some of the favorites of the students. 

Kozol explained to the students that insects like the mantis have antennas, or feelers, and are used to smell since they do not have a nose.   

Some insects, such as the Stick Bug, blends right into its area for its own protection. “It really does look like a stick,” commented several students.

While some insects blend into their surroundings, some have colors that are used as warnings to tell other animals or birds, “Don’t eat me, I taste yucky!” explained Kozol. 

Another highlight of the program was when Kozol introduced the students to her Giant African Millipede. Although it is not an insect, it is a very interesting bug which had 284 legs.  “Imagine finding shoes for it?” she joked. 

One student compared the feel of the millipede’s many legs to that of a toothbrush.

You Know it is the End of the Year When... Temperatures are finally warmer, kids are wearing t-shirts and shorts, and the last homework is being assigned and students are preparing for final exams. There is no question that there are only 13 more days of school left. Looking on the calendars of all of the schools there are fun activities scheduled like field trips and field/spree days. Farewell programs are just a few weeks away for those students moving from elementary to middle or from middle to high school. will be graduating on June 5.

The is making rounds to the schools introducing their summer reading program to students. The theme of this summer’s program is One World, Many Stories and runs from June 27 through Aug. 13. There is a kick-off concert to be held at Proctor School on June 28 at 7 pm.  Registration through the library is required.

Summer is around the corner, so enjoy the remainder of the school year.