What club is fun and creative and allows you to use iPads and make new friends? According to Olivia, a student at Dunwoody Springs Elementary, that would describe, “Coding Kids: Marty in Action,” the STEM club that Sandy Springs Education Force supports with a STEAM Legacy grant at the elementary school.
As described in the club’s end-of-year grant report, every Thursday after school, 25 students worked in 5 groups where they learned how to code Marty robots using iPads. The report notes, “After learning how to code their robots to do specific tasks, each group designed obstacle courses for the robots to try and get through the course from start to finish successfully.” As of this writing, the “students are still trying to figure out the perfect code to get their robots through their courses.”
Teachers and club leaders, Jessica Foster and Katie Schuessler, explain that the objectives for the club were for “students to be able to collaborate together, code robots, problem solve, design an obstacle course and critique and refine their designs.”
Students loved the opportunity to learn to code in this club. Cydney commented, “We get to design and do it ourselves. It’s fun to figure out.” Tammy enjoyed finding a way to get Marty through the maze and Madelyn explained, “It’s fun to do everything and experiment.” Tyler noted that he “wants to be an engineer now.”
Taka Wiley, whose son is in the club said, “My son is a math and science fanatic! He loves all things STEM. So, he was elated when he got a spot in his school’s STEM Club. He has truly enjoyed working with the instructors and his peers to learn more about STEM and create amazing pieces. This program has been an extremely important part of his overall learning at DSES. I am grateful that he can continue his love for STEM in a setting that is familiar and comfortable to him.”
It’s so exciting to see students enjoying learning about coding and technology. Students and their teachers will be at SSEF’s 14th Annual STEAM Showcase on March 13th from 6-8 pm at North Springs High School to showcase their successes. Sandy Springs Education Force uses proceeds from sponsorships from the STEAM Showcase to fund this and other after-school programs.
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