Workshop participants use a robotics programming interface and Lego bricks for a more hands-on experience. |
Image: Texas A&M Engineering/Jesus A. Reina
The Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution sponsored and hosted a professional development workshop for teachers and multidisciplinary engineering technology STEM students at Texas A&M University that involved robotics and Lego bricks.
The workshop was organized by Dr. Garth V. Crosby and taught by Dr. Mohamed Gharib, both are associate professors in the multidisciplinary engineering technology program. Gharib is a certified teacher trainer by the Lego Education Academy.
“This workshop was born out of our vision for making an impact in our community,” Crosby said. “The workshop provided professional development opportunities for the participants to introduce robotics in their school settings.”
The workshop was organized by Dr. Garth V. Crosby and taught by Dr. Mohamed Gharib, both are associate professors in the multidisciplinary engineering technology program. Gharib is a certified teacher trainer by the Lego Education Academy.
“This workshop was born out of our vision for making an impact in our community,” Crosby said. “The workshop provided professional development opportunities for the participants to introduce robotics in their school settings.”
Dr. Mohamed Gharib discusses with the participants the 21st-century skills students need to teach STEM to young students. |
Image: Texas A&M Engineering/Jesus A. Reina
"As educators, we aim to develop human capacity in College Station schools. The workshop allows undergraduate students and teachers to build their skills in robotics while learning how to teach the subject to young students,” Gharib said. “Our unique science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education track introduces teachers to high technical skills, which will drive students toward an increased interest in science and engineering following the Lego Education Academy approach for teaching, which is called learning through play."
The workshop, Introduction to Lego Education SPIKE Prime, uses a classroom-friendly robotics kit and software that allows participants to learn through hands-on experience to encourage critical thinking and promote creative confidence. It focuses on subjects such as engineering, coding and physics using intuitive guides and puts real-world topics in the hands of its participants.
“Everyday engineers create things, whether it's a building, a software program or a robot,” said Sophia Slabic, a multidisciplinary engineering technology STEM-track student. “The workshop was very useful in practicing how to facilitate hands-on, playful STEM learning with students and how I can help grade school students see how it applies to their life and understand they can become an engineer one day.”
The workshop, Introduction to Lego Education SPIKE Prime, uses a classroom-friendly robotics kit and software that allows participants to learn through hands-on experience to encourage critical thinking and promote creative confidence. It focuses on subjects such as engineering, coding and physics using intuitive guides and puts real-world topics in the hands of its participants.
“Everyday engineers create things, whether it's a building, a software program or a robot,” said Sophia Slabic, a multidisciplinary engineering technology STEM-track student. “The workshop was very useful in practicing how to facilitate hands-on, playful STEM learning with students and how I can help grade school students see how it applies to their life and understand they can become an engineer one day.”
Workshop participants testing sensors and motors using a robotics interface. |
Image: Texas A&M Engineering/Jesus A. Reina
“The robotics workshop at Texas A&M was extremely valuable to me as an educator and the sponsor teacher of the Oakwood Intermediate School Robotics Club. The training allows me to assist our students during our weekly STEM sessions,” said Rick Velez, teacher at Oakwood Intermediate School. “My confidence level rose, and I feel more than adequate now to continue to sponsor this outstanding club that teaches our students hands-on STEM activities".
From preschool to junior high and beyond, Lego education provides the opportunity for its participants to continue learning with playful tools that spark students’ interests and curiosities and help them further develop skills they’ll need to pursue fulfilling careers in STEM.
“This program will present the department of engineering technology and industrial distribution’s humble contribution to serve the community and inspire younger students," Gharib said. “And give them the motivation to learn about science and engineering.”
From preschool to junior high and beyond, Lego education provides the opportunity for its participants to continue learning with playful tools that spark students’ interests and curiosities and help them further develop skills they’ll need to pursue fulfilling careers in STEM.
“This program will present the department of engineering technology and industrial distribution’s humble contribution to serve the community and inspire younger students," Gharib said. “And give them the motivation to learn about science and engineering.”