Students learn to program robots

William Kinninmont, Belinda Gerard and Katelyn Cox with some of the equipment for the new robotics program.Picture: Scietech.

Bee-Bots beeped and LEGO EV3s whirred as students at Wickham Primary School programmed robots in the classroom earlier this month.

Coding a Bee-Bot to travel under a human bridge, or designing and building a robot was just the first step in a one-year intensive robotics program, provided by Scitech with the support of Mitsui Iron Ore Development.

Students will build on their knowledge, learning to code their robots to navigate mazes built in the classroom and working together to complete tasks.

The program, which kicked off on May 11 after great results last year at Pannawonica Primary School, aims to develop skills in line with the Australian Curriculum in Science Inquiry, ICT, Literacy and Numeracy.

Scitech robotics program co-ordinator Belinda Gerard said they were happy to see the students engaging with the workshops and developing an understanding of the importance of robotics in society.

"We've had great discussions in our professional learning session about the future of the program, and ways to ensure students are continually engaged and challenged," she said.

"It's so exciting to see their passion, and I can't wait to see what happens."