Maintaining its commitment of enhancing skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), The San Miguel School of Providence launched a robotics program this year as a component of its technology curriculum.
According to Technology Teacher Ted MacDonald, a robotics curriculum addresses a number of technology standards that San Miguel aims to achieve, including creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration, research, critical thinking, digital citizenship, and technology operations and concepts. By integrating robotics into the curriculum, San Miguel students will be able to develop skills necessary for understanding and interacting with an increasingly technology-driven world.
Thanks to the generosity of St. Sebastian's School in Needham, Massachusetts, and Standish Executive Search LLC, the school was able to purchase its first robotics kits this summer. Currently, the school owns nine kits--eight for student use and one for instruction and demonstration. The students use LEGO building blocks in assembling their robots, four sets of which were donated by Michele Jones, Stacey Wildman, Karen Jordan, and Leslie Higgins. Four of San Miguel's robots have been named in honor of these donors in recognition of their generosity, said MacDonald.
Each class will have the opportunity to complete the introductory robotics unit throughout the school year, beginning with the eighth grade. At the end of their robotics unit, each grade will hold a Robotics Showcase to demonstrate what they have learned. The first Robotics Showcase will take place November 9 at 11:15 a.m. at San Miguel School. All parents, mentors, and friends are welcome to attend.
For more information, call 401.467.9777.