Mechanic Grove students robotics team sees success

Submitted by School District 75

Mechanics Grove fifth-graders tested, recalculated then tested a robotic pick up truck over and over, making adjustments for speed, direction and aim while taking it through a series of tests in preparation for an upcoming Lego competition.

Computer programming, math calculations and problem solving strategies to minimize the risk of a missed task were repeated. Some tasks include driving a certain amount of rotations to reach a specific point on the robot mat and using a robot arm to grab items for points.

The next week, the Dream Team at Mechanics Grove brought their robotic Lego design to competition, along with a project they designed as part of the natural disasters assignment.

Students created an alternative to sandbags using a polymer product that is used as an absorbing solution for diapers to keep water at bay.

Both also planned to be presented to the local Mundelein Community Emergency Response Team.

Robotics coach Anthony Cho and school parent Fred Goldman started the team because it was a good way to show all applied areas of STEM, Science Technology Engineering and Math.

This project prepares students to learn real world skills of research and experimentation, problem-solving, computer programming, and building. Students learn to reach out to other professionals in the community and gain the confidence needed to speak in front of others.

The students also learn the idea of thinking outside the box when they have to complete a mission. Lastly, the students learn to work together in a team.

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