SPRINGVILLE– At Springville Community Academy, innovation and collaboration converge in the buzzing hub of the Robotics Club. A haven for budding engineers and tech enthusiasts, this dynamic group is igniting a passion for robotics. Led by science and STEAM teacher Jennifer Armstrong, students delve into the realm of real-world problem-solving and mechanical engineering.
The Robotics Club is open to students from 5th to 8th grade. The club provides the Vex robot parts and tools, but the hard work in design and testing is up to the kids. Grants provide the bulk of the funding for the program, but SAIC just generously donated a cool $1,000 to the club to help with expenses.
The club participates in competitions that put their machines to the test against teams from other schools in the area. The contests consist of a game in which robots must complete a task. This year, the game challenges the students to build machines capable of moving blocks from designated storage areas in a field of play. “The kids learn perseverance, problem-solving, and communication,” Armstrong said. Teams from different schools work together during their rounds to clear the area of the target blocks, so teamwork and camaraderie are essential.
Whether it’s a future in engineering, IT, or something in between, the Robotics Club is preparing kids for whatever they may encounter in their technological futures. Building robots is more than just that; it’s building thought processes, work ethics, and dear friendships.
