Tautoro School have been lucky enough to participate in the 'Robopā - Robotics in Schools' programme launched by Awanuiārangi. It has enabled our tamariki to access and manipulate technologies, robotic equipment and build on their coding capabilities. They participate in teams, problem solve, engage in computational tasks, and ultimately design their own robot to successfully complete challenges set by the kaiako of Robopā.
We have already had our local school scrimmage, with lots of whānau and students from other classes come visit and learn for themselves about the amazing mahi that the senior students have been a part of.
The question of the day was, 'What is a scrimmage?'
It's where each group works with another group (building team work) to complete a certain task. In this case, to move as many blocks into the point zone as possible. You're timed with two minutes to accumulate as many points as you can. The points you gain for each round gets tallied and accumulated toward your final score. The two teams with the most points by the end of the day, get to represent your local area at the regional championships held later in the year. Our tamariki have the potential to win that and represent Northland at the National tournament held in Whakatane.
I loved how they were able to construct a robot, test its effectiveness, problem-solve and make changes, then re-test their ideas again in authentic situations. There was lots of opportunities to communicate and collaborate with others and demonstrate their new found knowledge and skills to their peers, whānau, teachers and wider communities.
I felt that this programme engaged, inspired and motivated our tamariki to be successful innovators and creators of digital technologies (something they're familiar with). It also encouraged them to develop and enhance their science, technology, engineering and mathematical knowledge, a bonus for me as their teacher :).
Please keep an eye for their posts regarding this experience.
Nga mihi nui ki a roopu Robopā me Awanuiārangi.
Nā Akōmanga rima.
