American Canyon high school and middle school students have so enjoyed working with robotics that they sometimes don’t realize that they’re also learning mathematics in the process. This kind of learning has delighted educators and parents, particularly with respect to young girls, who often struggle or lose interest in math and science once they reach middle school. Principal Dan Scudero. They didn’t always realize they’re learning math at the same time initially. Later on they realize, Oh, I’m learning math, and having fun, which is what it should be.”
Getting kids interested in robotics
Their goal is to get kids from first grade to twelfth interested in math and robotics,” said Assistant Director Calvin Chen. Giving students “something tangible, a robot they can play with,” motivates them to learn the math and programming behind making the technology operate. It’s not all abstract, said Chen, referring to the traditional model of teaching math exclusively out of a textbook. The Center for Integrated Computing and STEM Education is also emphasizing math/robotics for teen girls. It runs a summer camp at UC Davis for them — one for boys is coming soon, too — and it has helped school districts in Benicia and Mount Diablo start their own camps as well.
American Canyon high school and middle school students have so enjoyed working with robotics that they sometimes don’t realize that they’re also learning mathematics in the process. This kind of learning has delighted educators and parents, particularly with respect to young girls, who often struggle or lose interest in math and science once they reach middle school.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Young girls struggle with losing interest in math when they reach middle school age.
- Through the use of robots, called linkbots, girls are learning math through interaction in the classroom.
- A goal of this program is to teach young girls it is ok to be smart.
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