STEM Month – Week 2 Technology
When it came to technology week, Mr Ingham and Mr Rivers decided the focus would be on coding and robots. The aim of the focus week was to engage the children and to help give them an understanding of how these subjects can be applied in real life, and perhaps inspire the to be the computer programmers of the future.
One of our parents, Mr Simon Davy, did a presentation to KS2 about his career in computing. He showed the children photographs of his very old, school computer and described how much fun he had replacing parts and using them. Simon also showed KS2 photos of the first robot, that he learnt to code. It could travel around with a pen attached to it, drawing shapes or words as it travelled. Simon said that becoming a computer programmer had helped him get a series of interesting jobs as an adult, and he hoped some children might choose this to follow this route too. He explained that many computing jobs are well-paid (allowing one to support yourself and your family); programming is a highly-creative, problem-solving process (which is stimulating) and one has the opportunity to make a positive difference to people’s lives (he had helped work on Covid-19 data tracking during the pandemic). At the end of the presentation, the children asked some thoughtful questions, demon-strating how well they had listened.
Mr Rivers and Mr Ingham also led assemblies during the week examining how robots are already used extensively in day-to-day life. The children were interested to see how robots are already used to make, select and deliver products to our homes; how drone swarms can replace firework displays; people can buy their own robot toys; how a number of places already have self-driving cars; and how some android robots are learning to move or interact like humans. Everyone agreed that the pace at which robots are developing is remarkable, and they offer many advantages. At the same time, there was recognition that this trend needs to be managed sensibly, so that humans can still have good jobs and make the important decisions. Below are some links to three cool robots:
Atlas android by Boston dynamics
Every lunchtimes, Mr Ingham showed the children our newest Edison robots on the playgrounds, gathering very large and excitable crowds. These incredible little machines use UV light and audio sensors to detect sound or light and dark objects in front of or underneath them. This means they can follow dark “map lines” on a light background; stay within light zones changing directions where necessary to stay in the middle; drive and rotate following clapped commands; avoid physical objects in front of them; and even sumo wrestle one another. The Edisons can be made to drive over bar codes to unlock pre-programmed routines; however, they can also be block-coded to follow one’s own specific instructions. The children were pleased to hear that these will be added to the after-school club offer in 2025-26, along with Sphero robots and BBC Microbit computer clubs which are already running.
Lastly, optional home learning challenges were set for children who wanted to develop their coding skills. If you fancy your own problem-solving challenge, why not have a go yourself?
Rodocodo – Use simple code and programmes to completes challenges (app also available on the apple store free of charge).
CargoBot – Learn how to programme a robot to transport cargo from one place to another.
Sequence -Use simple coding skills to complete different challenges (website may contain adverts).
