Irvington Middle School Students Learn to Build Robots

Irvington Middle School students worked together recently to build robots using a variety of tools and computer hardware in a new flexible learning space.

The new technology lab configuration at the school has enhanced both the digital and physical educational experiences for students, according to a district spokesman.

Eighth-grade students in Marcus Oates’ technology class have been engaged in project-based learning experiences since the beginning of the school year. They’re gaining knowledge through sustained inquiry and authentic learning in an environment that’s conducive to group discussions, research and hands-on activities.

“Having a flexible learning space has been essential to the success of the eighth-grade technology course and helps reinforce the concept that the learning process is different for all students,” Oates said. “Having the flexible lab is a wonderful tool in helping all students feel successful.”

The students have been learning about 11 different mechanisms that are found throughout the world and used in almost every object that has moving parts. They are researching why they are being used and investigating their different applications.

“This is our second unit of the year, and each group is currently building a few of the mechanisms before teaching the other groups in the class about the purpose and application of them,” Oates said. “Students are learning how robots function so that they can delve into using robotics to solve a problem.”

As students gain more knowledge about how robots are constructed and how different mechanisms are used, they will solve a design challenge—centered around the topic of transportation, obtaining and processing resources, and communication—by building robotic systems like self-driving vehicles.

“The lab will support these next steps because students will need to be able to quickly and effectively switch between research and construction roles,” Oates said. “There will be many projects that require varying degrees of usable space and students will be in different spots throughout the curriculum – some in building, some in programming and some in testing.”

The new flexible learning space, which features triangular and crescent-shaped tables, cabinets with whiteboard space on the back and mobile teacher podiums, can be configured in ways that best support students’ needs.

Photo caption: Irvington Middle School eighth-grade students learn how to build robots. Photo credit: Irvington Union Free School District.