TEAMWORK, collaboration and having lots of fun – that’s what Brisbane Catholic Education’s first Robotics School Cross Collaboration Day was all about.
Excited students from Robotic Clubs at Mt Maria College, Mitchelton; St Columban’s Catholic College, Caboolture; St Benedict’s College, Mango Hill; Mater Dei Catholic Primary School, Ashgrove West; Holy Cross School, Wooloowin; and Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough, arrived at North Service Centre eager to learn more about the wonderful world of programming robots.
They were not disappointed when QUT robotics club president Karl Von Richter, and Samual Ashcroft, both mechanical engendering students, showed them their impressive working robot they made for less than $500 using 3D printing technology.
The guest speakers talked about their love of all things robotics, university and careers as their robot slid silently around the room full of wide-eyed students.
The students heard about how robotics was changing the way people worked, learnt and played and how they can be found in all aspects of life – schools, businesses, industries and even the home.
Organiser Jay Hobbs said the day was a huge success with students interacting with each other and having lots of fun learning about robotics.
Jay said it was a reward for all the dedication and hard work the students put into their regular school lunchtime Robot Clubs.
He said the students learnt teamwork skills and formed friendships based on a shared interest in robotics.
“They also had the opportunity to interact online, with robotics activities and students from other schools.
“These clubs helped support socially isolated students and improved positive social interactions between students with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and their typical peers,” he said.
Jay said throughout the day students made new friends, had fun, learnt some new stuff about robots and heard about having a career in robotics.
“Some of these students will go on and study technology and/or engineering.
“It can turn into a career so it was great to have the people from QUT showing them what is possible,” he said.
Oscar Mendham from St Benedict’s College, Mango Hill, said seeing the QUT robot in action was “really cool”.
The Year 8 student said he really enjoyed taking part in the group challenges.
“I didn’t know most of the people in my group but now we get on pretty well together,” he said.
Sheridan Dowling from Mater Dei School said trial and error played a big role in their challenges.
The Year 7 students said getting to work with older students was also “pretty awesome”.
“I enjoyed working with the Lego robots, meeting new people, working in teams, it was really fun,” she said.
Damon Holmes said the activities on offer were engaging and challenging and it was nice to find that other schools had Robotics Clubs.
The Year 9 student at Southern Cross Catholic College said he had always liked tinkering about with electronics so when the college started the club he joined instantly.
Holy Cross School, Wooloowin Teacher Nicolas Devereaux said the day was an opportunity for students to hone their programming skills.
“It’s about increasing their challenge levels to keep their interest.
“They also got to see there can be a future in what they are doing, that it’s not just about playing games, there is a reason why they are doing this.
“Especially ASD students who sometimes find it hard to fit in socially and figure out where they are going.
“This is a chance for them to see an actual real passion and career path they could choose in the future,” Nicolas said.
A highlight of the day for the students was the “Mexican Wave” performed by their Lego robots.
The students programed the robots, lined them up and watched in amazement as they moved in unison to perform the unique wave.
