Robokids Secunda takes kids to Robotics Olympiad
It is a fun way to spark an interest and broaden the learners’ knowledge bank with the foundation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Robokids Secunda is taking five Grade 4 learners to the University of Petoria (Tuks) to take part in the World Robotics Olympiad on 3 August.
Riley Delport and Caitlyn Sing from Curro Secunda, Tyrique Naidoo and Kashvi Chathury from Oranjegloed Primary School and Magnus Mentz from Laerskool Trichardt will be participating in a three members girls’ team and a two members boys’ team.
Each team constructed their own robot from Lego, programmed it and controls it.
These teams will race against the clock on 3 August to accumulate points with their robots. This is a global competition dedicated to science, technology and education.
The World Robotics Olympiad aims to bring together young people all over the world to develop their creativity and problem solving skills.
Ms Jillian August of Robokids Secunda said this is a challenging and educational robotics competition using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® & WeDo 2.0 technology.
World Robotics Olympiad is held in 60 countries with a total of about 60 000 participants and 2 500 people attending the finals.
The Olympiad allows young people to expand their horizons through exploration of robots and robotic systems, encourages them to be future scientists, engineers, makers and inventors, and introduces the concept of modern science into educational activities.
Robokids in Secunda is a unique learning centre that offers robotics as an extracurricular subject for learners in Secunda. “Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots,” explained Ms August.
She said Robokids aim to help learners that are struggling in school to improve their marks and form an understanding for subjects like English, Afrikaans and mathematics. Kidibots and Robosmart are the two robotic programs that use Lego education products to develop the learner’s 21st century skills.
“It is a fun way to spark an interest and broaden the learners’ knowledge bank with the foundation of STEM: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Robokids offers three packages that strive to educate and innovate young minds while preparing them for the future.”
For more information about Robokids, visit the website www.robokidsa.co.za.
