Middle school students got an introduction to the Massapequa School District’s robust robotics program during a four-day camp. Eighteen students entering sixth, seventh and eighth grades took part in the annual program, which was held in the high school’s technology wing and totaled 24 hours of instruction, planning, programming and testing.
Participants learned about touch, light and distance sensors, which help control a robot’s behavior. Students worked in teams and used Lego kits to build their robots. They were then tasked with programming their robots to successfully travel through a maze.
“It’s pretty interesting to build your own robot, code it and make it work the way you want it to,” said eighth-grader Sarah Bello, who took part in the summer robotics camp for the third time.
Technology teacher Matthew Swanson said there are numerous opportunities for students to pursue an interest in robotics. At Berner Middle School, a sixth-grade robotics club allows them to learn and explore while a seventh- and eighth-grade club takes part in competitions. There are robotics courses at Massapequa High School along with the Robo Chiefs national championship team.
Photo courtesy of: Massapequa School District
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