The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties, in partnership with Murfreesboro City Schools, has launched LEGO™ Robotics as a pilot after-school program. Through funding from the MOTT After-school Grant, the United Way was able to provide the program to Bradley Academy and the Discovery School at Bellwood.
LEGO™ Robotics kits are sets of materials that enable children without formal training in engineering and computer programming to design, build, and program small-scale, robots. Through the use of LEGO™ Robotics, students are required to read and follow instructions, learn to write code, work with gears and motors, and use a computer to run a machine of their own construct. Students are able to take the knowledge that they have collected and use that as a basis for new creations and problem-solving.
Dr. Kristy Mall, Educator for Discovery School, said, "Students are not just playing with a toy... These skills are going to prepare them for a future that is not yet written. It has planted a seed that will grow into a possible career and future for a group of children that have never worked with robotics before. They have literally opened a door that may not have presented itself before, and helped them to discover aspirations, abilities, and dreams."
The Mott Foundation's After-school Grant supports initiatives that promote learning beyond the classroom, especially for traditionally under-served children and youth as a strategy for improving public education.
Murfreesboro City Schools hopes to expand the program to additional after-school sites in the future. To learn more about LEGO™ Robotics, visit www.education.lego.com/en-us.
