The Robots Return to Fairplex!

All year long, students from six local schools have been using LEGO® Mindstorms NXT robotics invention kits to develop expertise in robotics design and construction as well as targeted knowledge and skills in math, science, writing and technology. As a culminating event, on May 13th, students from Pomona Unified School District and Walnut Valley Unified School District put their creations to the test in the College of Education & Integrative Studies’ annual Robot Expo at the Fairplex in Pomona.

Participating in the Robot Expo were Kingsley and Montvue elementary schools and Emerson Middle School from Pomona Unified School District; and Collegewood and Evergreen elementary schools, and Suzanne Middle School from the Walnut Valley Unified School District.

The students competed in three challenges that require using mathematics to program the bots, to execute precise distances, turns, speeds, and aggressive and evasive maneuvers. Each school brought with it its own energy, skill, and determination. 

The event is part of the College’s School Robotics Initiative (SRI). The SRI serves a critical need in public schools by promoting elementary-school student interest in careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The SRI is a growing network of robotics classrooms – that will serve elementary through high school students and will function as a pathway into post-secondary study and technical careers. All robotics activity occurs during the regular school day to insure that a diverse range of students benefit from the program. The curriculum, designed to engage students with math required by the Common Core standards, also challenges them in science, literacy, writing and technology. As an added benefit, the participating teachers receive on-the-job professional development in the math-focused problem-driven curriculum. The ability of participating teachers to learn the robotics curriculum and lead robotics activity in the absence of the universityrobotics team continues to ensure the success of the program.

Dr. Cesar Larriva, the lead faculty member in the School Robotics Initiative, was recognized on May 20th at the Walnut Valley School District Board meeting with a Community Partner in Education Award for the robotics programs at Collegewood Elementary, Evergreen Elementary, and Suzanne Middle School.