When it comes to fun subjects and topics to learn in school, there are arguably only a few that are as enjoyable and exciting as robotics. This particular subject teaches kids how to build simple and complex robot kits that can move on their own or can be controlled using a remote controller. Although it looks really fun at first glance, teaching robotics to kids that don’t really have knowledge about it can be challenging. So, you may need to set up several robot projects in class in order for them to get the hang of building and controlling robots.
Besides learning how to build robots, there are also surprising benefits of teaching robotics to students. Most of these benefits are related to enhancing their specific skills, so it is safe to say that robotics is not just a simple project but a subject that can help shape the future of kids based on what they are good at. Here are the benefits of teaching robotics to kids in class.
Can Promote Teamwork
As the saying goes, “teamwork makes the dream work,” and this is why it is recommended that you form groups in your class whenever you have a robot project. Building a robot kit alone can be difficult, especially for children, so it is best to get them into groups so that they will always have someone that can help them in specific processes or steps in finishing the kit. There will be particular aspects of the project that groupmates may not agree on, but they will eventually learn how to discuss their differences and come up with the idea that they can all agree on, thus forming proper teamwork.
Through the robot project, your students will understand the basics of teamwork in order to build the robot faster with efficiency. In addition, building a robot with groupmates or teammates will surely be a fun activity, as it can also be a way for them to talk to each other about funny and interesting things that they discover on the robot they are creating.
Enhances Communication Skills
Of course, good teamwork cannot be formed without great communication skills between groupmates. Within the robot project, students will be encouraged to talk to each other about ideas on how to build a better and sturdier robot. Through proper communication, students can also learn how to express their ideas and opinions better, which is a good trait to have in the future.
Improves Leadership Skills
In a group, it is inevitable that someone has to be the leader. There are some particular students that are already good at communicating with others, and these students are often great leaders that can lead their group to achieve their goals with ease.
With the help of these leaders, students that may not be able to communicate well but are skillful in programming and construction can have a voice since the leader will encourage them to express their ideas and opinions to the group. By assigning a robot project, you can help these student leaders to truly improve their skills in leading and communicating with their groupmates.
Adds Programming to their Repertoire
Programming is considered one of the most important aspects of constructing a robot, as it is through applying codes and programs that robots will be able to move properly. Through robot kits, students will be able to learn the basics of programming, which would then improve their problem-solving skills since programming technically consists of formulas that should work well together. Besides programming, students can also learn how to code, a useful skill to have in the future if the students want to pursue a career path in information technology (IT).
Promotes Creativity
Robots are not just composed of strict formulas and codes, as students can also be creative in building robots by adding unique features and designs. Once they get used to programming, they can then apply interesting features that aren’t actually included in the manual. There are some robot kits that encourage creativity for kids since they can be programmed and constructed in whatever way the builder wants them to be built.
If you want your students to be creative in making their own robots, you can give them robot kits that are open-ended and can be built in different ways. However, these creative robot kits may be difficult to build for first-timers, so you should assign a simpler kit first before you promote creativity in the project.
Introducing robotics to children can be a great way for them to find their hobbies and passions. They may eventually grow to like building robots, which would then help them have a clearer path to pursue a career in robotics, programming, coding, and other professions that are related to technology. Enhance the different skills that your students have for them to have a better future.