June 5, 2009
DSBN Schools Go High-Tech with New Robotics Kits
Elementary schools across the District School Board of Niagara are getting a high-tech upgrade thanks to a near $50,000 grant from the Ministry of Education.
“The Ministry made these funds available to school boards to support students in several key areas; secondary school literacy programs, the arts, outdoor education and science and technology,” said Sean Hanna, DSBN Science Consultant.
With the funds, schools with junior or intermediate divisions will each receive a Lego Robotics kit complete with Lego pieces, motors, sensors and the supporting Lego Mindstorms software.
“Over the past few years, DSBN schools have found robotics to be a very engaging and stimulating activity that offers many teachable moments,” said Hanna. “Building a robot and programming it to perform different tasks teaches students about problem solving while also requiring them to master a number of mathematical and scientific concepts.”
“More than ever, students are interested in using technology to learn. Because of the overwhelming interest, this year’s DSBN Technology Challenges were expanded to include a Junior Division Lego Robotics Challenge. By sending each school at least one resource kit, even more students will have the opportunity to engage in this dynamic learning opportunity,” said Kevin Graham, DSBN Technology Consultant.
Schools with a primary division will be getting a number of hands-on materials, such as solar and wind powered toy cars, ramps, gears and pulleys, all designed to introduce younger students to different scientific concepts. “Students will be able to use these materials to conduct their own experiments and gain an understanding of the relationship between force, energy and motion,” said Hanna.
The DSBN operates 98 elementary schools in 12 municipalities throughout the Niagara region.