In an exciting initiative fueled by the Olentangy Education Foundation (OEF) Grant and sponsored by DCTS, Berlin Middle School is witnessing a transformative educational experience with the "LEGO My STEAM" program. Lead by Math Specialist Roscoe Holt, this innovative endeavor aims to cultivate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) skills among students while nurturing essential 21st-century skills like collaboration and critical thinking.
The program, designed to evolve with students, focuses on building confidence in coding, robotics, and computer science. Students are not only engaged in hands-on activities but are also presented with real-life challenges to enhance their problem-solving abilities. The first challenge tasked students with creating a moving vehicle, and the subsequent challenge delved into the realm of robotics by requiring them to design a vehicle that could autonomously turn away from obstacles, similar to the technology used in a Roomba sweeper.
Mr. Holt expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "LEGO My STEAM has been a big hit at Berlin MS. As soon as the kids saw the kits, they were excited with the possibilities. Everybody loves LEGO, and these kits provide a perfect opportunity to get kids coding, designing, and building to overcome real-life challenges. It has been a great way to spark curiosity and creativity. We are busy coming up with challenges and excited for the connections to the real world."
Currently, the LEGO My STEAM kits are being utilized in an afterschool club, where students eagerly explore the realms of coding and robotics. The success of the program has laid the foundation for its expansion into classrooms, promising to bring the excitement and educational benefits of STEAM to even more students at Berlin Middle School.
This initiative not only demonstrates the power of innovative teaching methods but also highlights the OEF's commitment to enriching the educational experience for Olentangy students. As we look forward to the continued success of LEGO My STEAM, we celebrate the collaborative efforts that make such transformative programs possible.
