Robots make math, technology fun for Mars students
ADAMS TWP — Mars Centennial School fifth- and sixth-graders are not only learning how to figure a geometric angle, they’re programming a robot to show their work.
Chris Churilla, STEAM and library media studies teacher, said a PPG grant and the Mars Planet Foundation funded the purchase of several Finch Robots.
The little robots, which are about the size of a softball, are programmed by students via an iPad that is connected to the robot through Bluetooth.
On Sept. 28, six sixth-grade girls worked with a protractor, instruction sheet and two robots to make the robots draw the shapes they programmed.
A marker that protruded from each robot drew the shapes on heavy paper when the robots moved forward, backward, left and right.
“They tell the robot what to do, and it does it,” Churilla said. “It’s a fun way to reinforce math skills.”
The Centennial School students work with the robots for 30 minutes during each week’s STEAM class, which stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math.
Churilla said some schools have STEM classes, but the Finch Robots allow an art component when they draw the shape the students programmed in.
“I always say that whatever they do should be aesthetically pleasing as well, especially in engineering,” he said.
The robots give students a basic understanding of coding, along with programming.
Mackenzie Allshouse said students must measure with the protractor to figure out a shape’s angles.
“The robots are a fun, creative way to do it,” she said.
Mackenzie said Churilla went over the instructions with students, who then asked questions.
“We just continued, and it was pretty easy to do,” she said.
Amelia Melnick said programming the robots to properly draw a shape is sometimes hard and sometimes easy.
“You need to measure to figure out how to make the shapes,” she said. “The robot helps kids if they are struggling with angles, because they can practice.”
One group of girls figured out how to make their robot draw “MARS,” while the other group programmed its to draw stars.
Stella Rossi said she likes the art component of the geometry lessons the robots teach.
“I like the fact that we program it to do whatever we want it to do,” said Stella, who wants to be a scientist or lawyer when she is older.
Chloe Kivlan said the robots’ versatility makes them fun.
“I like how we can make all different kinds of shapes and play around with it to see what we can do with it,” she said.
Chloe, who wants to be a physical therapist someday, appreciates Churilla and the Centennial School for getting the Finch Robots.
“It’s a really great idea to do this, because it helps you with doing math, so I’ll be good at math in the future,” she said.
Brooklynn Mincin likes math and said the robots make the subject fun.
“I look forward to coming to STEAM class and working with the robots,” she said. “I like making cool new shapes.”
Brooklynn hopes to be a doctor when she is older because she likes to help people.
Avery Kelly said she appreciates learning away from her chair and desk.
“It’s really cool that we get to experiment with the angles and use creative thinking,” she said.
Churilla said it’s never too soon to teach modern students STEAM principals, and the Finch Robots are a good first step in coding and programming.
“Most of these students are going to have a career in technology or they will use technology,” he said.
Churilla completed an online training course to learn the robots as well as the best way to instruct students on their use.
He also appreciates that both boys and girls are interested in STEAM concepts.
“I’m a big believer that any boy or any girl can do or be anything they want,” Churilla said.
