a-MAZE-ing high-tech challenge

Preservice teachers studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) are sharing a high-tech education experience with students from 10 schools in the Moreton Bay region today.

The USC Education students will be helping about 100 children and teachers to make the most of a robotics immersion day at Undurba State School, Murrumba Downs.

The event is designed to generate interest in robotics competition and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at school.

Positive feedback

USC Education Lecturer Natalie McMaster says it would build the skills of aspiring teachers in the classroom as well as the enthusiasm of school students for STEM.

Participants will learn how to code sensors on a Lego Spike Prime robot to compete against other robots in SumoBot Lego, a-MAZE-ing challenge and Line Follow competitions.

“This is a great opportunity for USC student volunteers to extend their technology expertise while connecting with schools in our regions,” Ms McMaster says.

“We’ve had really positive feedback from previous immersion days, with school students reporting increased interest and confidence in coding and robotics and studying science, design, digital tech and maths subjects.”

Partnerships

USC’s School of Education and Tertiary Access has partnered with RoboCoast Sunshine Coast Robotics Association Sunshine Coast Robotics Association to present the Immersion days to schools in the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions.

It is funded with a $100,000 MAKER project – Community STEM Engagement grant from the Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.

USC Education students will present the robotics activities at schools as far north as Bundaberg this year, with Maleny and Kingaroy scheduled for later this month.

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