Unlocking Innovation: Olentangy Academy's STEM Students Gear Up for VEX Robotics Showdown

By Mary Lorenz

In the bustling halls of Olentangy Academy's STEM School, the air is charged with the unmistakable buzz of creativity and innovation. This semester, 80 sophomore students have embarked on a thrilling journey as they dive headfirst into the world of robotics through the VEX Robotics Project. Divided into four teams, each equipped with six cutting-edge robot kits, these students are on a mission to engineer, program, and perfect their creations before the semester concludes.

Leading the charge is Benjamin Lloyd, a dynamic force behind the VEX Robotics initiative at Olentangy Academy. Lloyd's passion for nurturing young minds in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is evident as he guides the students through the intricacies of designing and building their robots.

The VEX Robotics Project, a hands-on educational program, not only cultivates technical skills but also fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. During a recent visit to the classroom, I witnessed firsthand the students' infectious enthusiasm and engagement as they tinkered with gears, wired circuits, and programmed their robots to perform a myriad of tasks.

Olentangy Education Foundation was able to support this project with a $8000 grant sponsored by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. This investment ensures that these students have access to state-of-the-art technology, propelling them into the forefront of STEM education.

As the semester winds down, anticipation is building for the grand finale in January, when the teams will put their creations to the test in a series of fun and challenging activities. The culmination of weeks of hard work and collaboration, this event promises to showcase the students' ingenuity and the transformative power of hands-on learning.

The impact of programs like VEX Robotics extends far beyond the classroom, inspiring a new generation of innovators and problem-solvers. The dedication of educators like Benjamin Lloyd, coupled with the support of organizations like the Olentangy Education Foundation and the OSU Wexner Medical Center, propels students toward a future filled with endless possibilities.

Stay tuned as we return in January to report on the exhilarating VEX Robotics showdown, where these talented students will unleash their robotic creations in a display of skill, teamwork, and pure STEM prowess. The Olentangy Academy's STEM School is undeniably shaping the future, one robot at a time.

 Thank you to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center FOR SPONSORING THIS INNOVATIVE GRANT.

OEF Grant Spotlight - Olentangy High School - Visiting Artists Series

Todd Camp: Dress Pattern Sculptures (Painter/Sculptor/Ceramics)

Through the support of an OEF classroom grant, art students at Olentangy High School had the opportunity to meet and witness the craft and skills of three professional artist in their classroom. The Visiting Artists’ Series was a first for the district, and according to art teacher Rhainy Edwards and her students - it was a huge success and impactful. I asked Rhainy to share with me how this unique experience impacted her students and this is what she said…..

“The Visiting Artists' Series impacted multiple levels of different disciplines throughout Olentangy's Art Department. Having professional artists share their craft, skills, and life experiences exposed our students to the endless possibilities in the visual arts world! Not only did students get to know the artists personally, but they had the opportunity to work directly with them. Many of our students shared their other artwork and discussed directions and possibilities. The grant has endless possibilities with the variety of artists and materials we could introduce in the classroom. I hope to continue to bring new artists and resources in the classroom in the future!” - Rhainy Edwards, Art Education at Olentangy High School

The three visiting artists were:

• Chris Powell: Ceramic Artist

• Todd Camp: Dress Pattern Sculptures (Painter/Sculptor/Ceramics)

• Hailey Piche: Ceramic Artist (Alumni OHS 2019/recent graduate from Bowling Green and currently applying for artist residencies)

OEF Grant Spotlight - Wyandot Run Elementary School - Vocabulary Parade

Last month I had the pleasure to be a spectator at Wyandot Run Elementary's "Vocabulary Parade". What is a "Vocabulary Parade" you ask? Well I asked Heidi Wolfer (Literacy Specialist at WRES) if she could share more details and here's what she shared:

• The idea came from another school in the district, Scioto Ridge Elementary School.

• The Vocabulary Parade is linked to Olentangy's academic Word List (OaWL). Each grade level has a word list that was created by the district. The words are difficult and pop up in each grade levels curriculum.

• With the support of an OEF Grant, each grade level at WRES received new vocabulary picture books that promote vocabulary.

• Starting in January, the school started truly focusing on vocabulary. During a Professional Development session in February, teachers shared how they encouraged kids to be inspired by vocabulary words, or how vocabulary is showcased in the classrooms.

• Teachers started discussing the parade and sharing ideas. For example, every day the WRES Kindergarten teachers dressed up as a new word from the OaWL and they would us a microphone to announce something special with that word.

• By the end of February and beginning of March, the school was in vocabulary mode. They had announcements from their students, words spread on walls and teachers were consistently talking about new and interesting words.

• They decided to spread the parade over 2 days so each grade level could watch others and learn new words! It was exciting to watch the students cheer for each other.

• Most importantly, the students were inspired. They really brought their A game!

I can share as a mother of a 4th grader at Wyandot Run, it was all that my son could talk about for a month leading up to the day! I was so impressed with how engaged the students were and how creative they were with their words. Whether it was a student dressed up as a sorcerer, a principal dressed as a train conductor, or a literacy teacher dressed as a large penguin (AKA Aptenodytes), the students had a wonderful time and learned new vocabulary without even realizing it. Great job to Mrs. Wolfer and the team at Wyandot Run for creating a fun and engaging way for students to learn. The students are already talking about what words they want to be next year!

Mary Lorenz

Executive Director, OEF

Strength: A Program to Empower Fifth Grade Girls through Mind, Body, and Soul

An Olentangy Education Foundation grant, made possible by the generosity of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center brought STRENGTH to Olentangy Meadows Elementary School this year.

STRENGTH is a before school empowerment program for girls in the fifth grade at OMES. STRENGTH empowers young girls to gain confidence within themselves to make decisions about choices that lead towards happiness, positive self-esteem, and success as the girls enter middle school. Each session combines various discussions and activities to promote positive emotional, mental, and physical development through their minds, bodies, and souls.

Students in STRENGTH performing SuperHero and Warrior Goddess poses and wall sits

---

Hexagonal Thinking Strategies

Students in the STRENGTH program used Hexagonal Thinking strategies when thinking about the commonalities felt when others build them up, and when they feel let down