by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION (Beachburg) — Three Beachburg Public School students are hoping they are victorious at the upcoming 2019 RCDSB TechX.
This event is at Fellowes High School in Pembroke on Wednesday, April 17.
Grade 6 students Sheridan Kinsilla and Christopher Forbes are competing for the first time, while it’s the second robotic competition for Ethan Wilson, a Grade 7 student.
Ethan and Sheridan are competing in the Olympics category while Christopher is in the Closed Bot.
Christopher explained that the Closed Bot is about programming, because to win you have to remain within a circle – the first one out loses.
Ethan explained that the Olympics has three components: drag race, hill climb and tractor pull.
“You have to make your models for speed or power,” he said.
The students are provided, through the IT department at the Renfrew County District School Board, a robotic kit and put it together, said teacher Brian Abdallah. While some students put the kit together following instructions, there are others, like Ethan, who “tore everything apart and rebuilt it.”
Mr. Abdallah said participating in this challenge is an opportunity for the students to learn different topics, such as math and physics.
“Ethan is in the Olympics,” he said. “He has to learn gear ratios and then configure it (the robot) to be the fastest.”
He explained that this challenge is part of STEM program (Science, Technology, English and Math), for students in Grades 6, 7 and 8.
Chris and Sheridan both said they can program games and have an interest in coding.
Ethan and Sheridan will both have to modify their robot before each Olympic competition, which means they have to act fast.
Mr. Abdallah, who has taught in different countries including China and Bermuda, said this competition was held the first time last year by the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB). However, it’s not the first robotic competition for him.
When Mr. Abdallah spoke about the competition to students, Sheridan thought it “was cool” while Christopher is competitive.
Mr. Abdallah said, “This is a great platform for students to learn engineering.
“They can have fun and learn at the same time.
“With the opportunity to engage, the better experience they will have.”
He has faith in the three students.
“They will do a wonderful job representing the school,” Mr. Abdallah said.
TechX is an opportunity for RCDSB students to explore resources and technologies that will be available in their school.
The day will be organized around Ontario curriculum-linked challenges that students from various schools throughout RCDSB will work collaboratively on to try and solve.
Some of the technology tools and software that students will be using are Arduino, Sphero, Makey Makey, Lego EV3 Robots, Lego WeDo Robots, littleBits, Scratch, Code.org and Dremel 3D Printer.
The first TechX was held at Opeongo High School last year.
The TechX website says: Coding is a fundamental computational thinking skill of the modern world. As technology continues to be integrated into our everyday lives, it is important as educators to provide opportunities for students to be innovative and create, and not just consume, technology.
Coding is an employable skill that teaches students to solve problems, take risks, think critically and logically while being empowered to fail in a safe environment. These skills are vital in all curricular areas as well as learning skills and work habits.
Coding empowers students to be content creators rather than just content consumers.
