MS STEM Classes Build Skills Through Robot Activities

Students in Mrs. Cathy Roderick’s STEM classes at BBHMS have been busy building a variety of real-world skills through project-based learning activities using VEX clawbots. Working in groups, students began by identifying and understanding the function of the key components of the clawbot, including motors, cables, brain, and controller. Students applied their problem-solving and collaborative skills to analyze the behavior of the clawbot to determine the root cause of issues, considering both hardware and software components, while demonstrating resilience and persistence in troubleshooting complex issues and working on solutions until they obtain a successful resolution.

Once the students had developed sufficient knowledge and skills, they began a double-elimination bracket class tournament. During the competition, students will complete simple challenges such as controlling their team’s robot to pick up a small block and place it on top of another bot or pick up a ball and place it inside a cube. Once the tournament is finished, students will apply the engineering design process with their partner to design, build, and test modifications to their robot. Stay tuned for future updates on the world of STEM classes at BBH Middle School!