At Lakeview Elementary, fourth and fifth graders took part in an exciting, hands-on project that combined creativity, critical thinking and coding. Under the guidance of their STEAM teacher, Jennifer Borst, the students designed mazes on the auditorium floor and programmed DASH robots to navigate through their creations.
This engaging activity allowed students to explore the world of robotics and coding, all while sharpening their math skills. They calculated the exact distance the robot needed to travel, figured out the precise number of turns required and even measured angles to determine how many degrees the robot needed to pivot. In addition to fine-tuning their robot’s movements, the students customized its speed and programmed colorful light patterns and tricks to enhance the experience.
“This project is the perfect blend of problem-solving and creativity,” Borst said. “It reinforces math concepts, such as distance and angles, while teaching coding skills in a fun and interactive way. Time management is another key element. Students must balance the urge to perfect every detail with the need to work quickly and adapt when things don’t go as planned. It’s all part of learning to think on their feet.”
Outside the classroom, Borst also runs an after-school program called Robot Adventures where second and third graders explore the world of robotics through hands-on activities. Students engage with a variety of robots including Dash, Indi, littleBits, Ozobot and Sphero Mini, gaining practical experience with each.
Through these innovative projects and programs, Lakeview Elementary continues to provide students with valuable skills that will serve them well in the future, all while making learning fun and interactive.
