Long Creek Elementary uses Lego and Vex programs to interest students in science and technology learning
Lego and Vex programs not only bring robotics, but also science and technology to the classroom at Long Creek Elementary School.
Gifted students on the First Lego League Soaring Eagles Robotic team at the school are possibly already making career choices from lessons learned in the program which is in its second year at the school.
The hands-on-program for ages 9-14 was created to get students excited about science and technology, according to Principal Dietrich Harmon.
Dale Mayo is the teacher for the intellectually gifted students and her assistant and coach is Monica Harmon.
The Lego and Vex Robotics groups work in teams of 6-8 to solve “challenges” based on real-life, scientific problems. Components of Lego League include design, programming and research. Students also strengthen their teamwork and communication skills by learning how to work together to reach a common goal. During the robotics portion, students design and program a robot to fulfill a pre-designed mission. During the project portion, the teams research a real-world problem and create an innovative solution.
“Lego and Vex gives students an opportunity to explore through a hands-on approach and helps them with a career choice,” said Mrs. Mayo. The program covers a variety of skills and is really a “school in one,” she added.
Excitement is high in the classroom with “high fives” and shouts of “way to go,” coming from the teachers as students excel.
Goal of the program is to compete with other teams. The First Lego League season runs from early September to December. The Long Creek team will enter competition on Jan. 12, 2019, at Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Jackson.
Students in the program are Kendle Sample, Amber Harmon, Dakarrikon Williams, Jamayia Johnson, Jaykeon Phillips and Kielan Sanders, sixth grade. Fifth graders are Jaeden Harmon and Issiah Mabry. Fourth graders are RaKesha Greer, Zantaviaus Clark, Brenin Painter and Fredrick Wilder.
