TMCNet: Robotics program introduces kids to science, math

[December 05, 2012]

Robotics program introduces kids to science, math

SOUTH TAMPA, Dec 05, 2012 (Tampa Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- One youngster learned how to build a robot from scratch.

Another worked on building a Ping-Pong ball launcher.

Others focused on programming a robot to drive along a line on the floor.

The children participate in the South Tampa Community Robotics Club, an after-school community club that began in October. The club, which uses Lego Mindstorms, meets from 5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Wednesdays at Bayshore Baptist Church, 3111 W. Morrison Ave.


Instructor Bill Shaw said the club's robotics projects are fun and accessible for children, and a great learning experience.

"The most important thing is kids have a lot of creativity and if you don't get them interested in science and math at an early age, it's really hard to get them interested in it later on," he said.

About six children so far participate in the South Tampa club. They range in age from 7 to 11, Shaw said.

The South Tampa program doesn't build up to a major competition. Instead, it involves children learning basic robotics skills and working in teams on different projects.

Every few weeks, club members move on to a new project.

The club typically draws youngsters with a passion for Legos. But the children learn quickly the club is about more than playing with the plastic interlocking blocks and other shapes, Shaw said.

"The kids are learning how to build," Shaw said. "They're learning engineering skills; they're learning programming. There are a lot of skills they develop, and they have a great time doing it." Shaw also has run a North Tampa robotics club for more than a year. That club uses a similar format.

At a recent South Tampa club event, Graham Brown, 9, worked to build a robot that stops at the edge of a table and turns around.

"I like programming and testing it to see if it works or not," he said.

Grady Elementary student Emilio Feliciano, 9, was drawn to the club because of his love of Legos. His work at the club has taught him about science and computers, and now he can make a robot and make it move, said his mother, Noemi Feliciano.

"He enjoys it. He really does," she said of the club. "He looks forward to it every week." It meets weekly and costs $80 a month, and membership is maintained on a month-to-month basis.

The cost includes training, as well as access to the tools and computers required for the club.

For information about the club or to enroll, visit http://inanimatereason .com/camp/southtampa .php.

___ (c)2012 the Tampa Tribune (Tampa, Fla.) Visit the Tampa Tribune (Tampa, Fla.) at www.tampatrib.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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