- April 25, 2024
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Martin Evans explains how the students will be building their own robotics from Lego Mindstorm kits. Teacher Tammi Gray watched from the back, just over the children's heads. Photo Jacque Estes
This robot was programmed to react to various movements and extend his head if anything came within a specified area. Photo Jacque Estes
Wadsworth Principal John Fanelli and STEM teacher Martin Evans, talk with one of the STEM classes on the first day of school. Photo Jacque Estes
STEM Academy students at Wadsworth Elementary interact with a small robot during the first day of school. Photo Jacque Estes
The start of the new school year included a new program for Wadsworth Elementary with the addition of the STEM Academy. Students participating in the Academy will focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics this year.
Martin Evans and Tammi Gray, the program teachers, welcomed 44 students into their classrooms on Monday, Aug. 24.
“The premise is a practical application of knowledge and skills and learning standards, as in the other classes at Wadsworth,” Principal John Fanelli said. “A lot of the students who previously attended the Phoenix Academy are part of this program."
The Academy incorporates education technology using an engineering lab designed specifically for the program.
“It's an opportunity, through extended day and additional materials and resources to put their knowledge to use,” Fanelli said. “For example, if they are learning about area, they may get a problem like to tile the classroom. They measure, determine how much tile, grout, etc. and order the tile. We work really hard to teach our students skills but don't always have the time to show them how to use these in real life. This program bridges it for them.”
The first day, students got a glimpse into what is in store for them this year. They will be building robots from Lego Mindstorm Robotics kits. After the robots are built and programmed, they are given a game with multiple tasks.
“We will design our own robots that will actually complete a game,” Evans said.
On Sept. 12 the students will enter a robot in their first competition in Clearwater, FL.
“Three students will attend the competitions but the whole class will work on it,” Evans said.
The STEM Academy students attend school 45 minutes longer than the regular school day.
“Students come from all over the county, not just in-zone,” Fanelli said. “We have representation from almost every school across the district and home school children.”
The program is already popular with students and their parents.
“We have 44 students enrolled and there is a waiting list,” Fanelli said. “We have had parents of fifth graders calling to be put on the waiting list for next year.”
There is little doubt in Fanelli's mind that the program will be successful.
“Our goal moving forward is to grow this program into the seventh and eighth grades with the sixth grade rolling into the seventh and eighth grade program and transition them into high school.”
