Robotics is a key component of Randolph-Macon Academy’s (R-MA’s) Computer Science course. Robotics is taught alongside the more technical aspects of computer science and programming, encouraging students to develop a stronger sense of teamwork and creativity, as well as think more critically. Not only do students acquire knowledge that can greatly benefit them in their future studies, but they get to have plenty of fun in the process!
By providing a wealth of both soft skills and technical expertise, robotics helps students access the unique educational experience our academy strives to give them. Here’s a closer look at why students at R-MA love learning about robotics.
Students Learn About Computer Science in a More Nuanced Way
The opportunity to learn about robotics using VEX IQ products is one that our more technologically-inclined students will no doubt be intrigued by. In fact, it’s just one of several core elements of R-MA’s Computer Science program. A deeper understanding of modern technology and programming is gained by students in this course.
Check out the video below to learn more about Robotics at R-MA:
Both Upper School and Middle School students get to learn about robotics, though Juniors and Seniors are prioritized among Upper School enrollment. For students wanting to explore these concepts even further, they can enroll in our Pre-Professional Pathway in Software and Engineering. This not only allows them to learn in-depth about VEX robotics and engineering, but also gives them the opportunity to attend workshops, complete internships, and engage in other opportunities for experiential learning.
Our Prep School Students Learn Collaboration and Problem-Solving Skills
At our college preparatory school, students learning about robotics don’t simply acquire technical knowledge about the field. They also learn a variety of soft skills they can carry with them well after their days at R-MA. Learning about robotics teaches them about critical thinking and problem-solving, thanks in part to an engineering challenge where teams of students build and design robots while competing against each other. Since this is done in groups rather than individually, robotics at R-MA also helps students develop better communication and teamwork skills. Learning to work well with others and solve issues as a team is just as big a part of this program as the development of their engineering instincts!
Middle School Students Also Get to Experiment With Robotics
By learning in greater detail about software, hardware, and networks, students gain knowledge of the ins and outs of robotics. Middle School students at our prep school who take robotics as an elective learn in unique ways. For example, coding is taught to students by going into detail about programming from both text and blocks. They also get opportunities to experiment with other machinery such as drones, 3D printers, and Ozobots. During the Fall semester, students prepare for a LEGO competition by applying their reasoning and computer programming knowledge to the EV3 robots they use. In fact, R-MA’s Middle School robotics team won first place in the robot design component of the 2019 FIRST LEGO League competition over two other Virginia schools!
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