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But mostly, they can bring to life complicated math and science concepts, such as Newton’s laws of motion, ratio and proportion.
Robots – yes, robots – have taken over the Olympia School District.
Four years ago, Avanti High School in Olympia launched one of the first robotics programs in the region.
Today, every middle and high school in the Olympia School District is offering robotics programs, serving about 500 students in grades 7-12, according to Brad Hooper, director of Career and Technical Education. Most of the classes have filled up quickly.
“I was just waiting for a chance to get into a class like this,” said 17-year-old Jerry Jia, a senior who is taking an advanced robotics class at Capital High School.
The programs are part of a districtwide push to increase opportunities for students in science, technology and mathematics – career areas that are in high demand across the country, said Capital High School robotics teacher Randy Steele.
“Our goal is to grow consumers of technology into creators of technology,” he said.
Students in the middle school and beginner-level high school robotics courses use Lego-based kits to build machines that can be programmed to move with light and sound sensors.
Students in the advanced courses design and build robots that use more sophisticated software and hardware.
“It’s not a lectured-based class; it’s sort of self-taught,” Steele said. “It’s very much a problem-solving, team-based class.”
The district has spent between $25,000 and $35,000 on equipment for the robotics programs, but many of the items can be reused numerous times before they’ll need replaced, Hopper said.
In addition, the district has received nearly $10,000 in grants to help support the robotics programs. Steele and other supporters also have developed STEMPALS, a booster club to help generate volunteers, professional mentors and financial support to keep the robotics and other innovative science and math programs running.
Many of the students will participate this weekend in a regional robotics competition hosted by the Olympia School District. The event is one of about a dozen regional competitions in the state; winning teams will advance to a state competition slated for early next year.
At Capital High School, the nine students who make up Team Bar say they’re looking forward to competing with their robot, which has gone through several design changes since September.
“It’s our rookie year, but we’re making good progress,” said team captain Joel Christopher, 16, a sophomore. “Our robot is about where we want it to be.”
They’ve programmed the machine to pick up racquet balls, push a bowling ball and help another robot perform tasks. They hope their labor of love will pay off this weekend so they can qualify for the state competition.
“Some of us have been here every day after school and on weekends,” Christopher said. “We’re feeling pretty confident, and just excited to be there.”
Lisa Pemberton: 360-754-5433
lpemberton@theolympian.com
