You probably don’t have to be worried about robots taking your job. But your children might have to.
That’s the impetus behind Wolly Barabash’s Brickineers program, which teaches children the basics of robotics through LEGO and similar building block products.
“The race for manufacturing dominance through robotics has just started and no one knows where it will end, or to what other purposes robots will be applied.”
It is certain, Barabash said, that robotics and high technology will be pervasive in our children’s future.
The program will involve building robots with sensors and motors according to instructions. Children will then program the robots to move and make sounds, either automatically or by sensor input.
Older children will use MIT’s Scratch visual drop down programming environment in order to learn structured programming. Younger children will use the LEGO WeDo programming environment, which is less complex.
Younger children will work on building self-confidence, learning about teamwork and learning basic logic and programming skills.
The older groups will focus on similar areas, but will also be exposed to engineering practises, such as maintaining logs and reflecting on their problem solving strategies.
Barabash said the goal is to engage children in experiential learning and play during which they think, do and reflect on what they have done, as well has have fun.
He said children would also be exposed to problem-based learning, strategic problem solving, logic and computational thinking.
The program is aimed at children enrolled in Grades 1 to 6. The sessions for children in Grades 1 to 3 will run Sept. 24 for six weeks from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and costs $135. The sessions for Grades 4 to 6 kids runs the same dates but from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and costs $145.
To register visit brickineers.com or email [email protected].
