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Skunkworks Robotics Travel to Midway Elementary
 
SKUNKWORKS TEAM MEMBERS and friends acted as mentors for a group of "Engineers in Training" at Midway Elementary School during May and June this year. Midway students had a wonderful time learning about simple machines, which are the basis for building all robots. The program, which was entitled "Engineering Young Minds," was the second half of a larger project using Aviation High School student mentors to interact with Midway students. The first half of the project had Midway students building rockets and was sponsored by the Science Olympiad team at AHS.
      
             
   

 

During the eight robotics sessions, Midway students were divided into groups and learned about simple machines by building models using the K'nex system. Some of the groups also had a chance to use the LEGO NXT Mindstorms robot kit and built and programmed a small robot. One group successfully programmed the robot to kick a goal into a soccer net.

 

Students for these classes were from six different intermediate classes. The student mentors numbered about 15 members of the Skunkworks robotics team and two other friends of the team.

   
             
  group shot    

On the final day of the sessions, Newton and the Stench came to the school and were both put through their paces. For the first time anywhere, the team let some of the students control the robot and launch the moonrocks into a target waste can. Students were invited to see the big robot up close and identify the simple machines that made up the bigger systems on the robot. The school provided some delicious cake and drinks and a good time was had by all.

  

 
 

  Skunkworks had a great time with our little "brother and sister engineers" from Midway. We plan on doing more next year and Midway has expressed interest in forming a Lego League Robotics team which will be mentored by the Skunks.      
                 
 
 
This was a great experience for the team AND for the Midway students.
We made many new friends and will continue to foster this type of outreach next year.