These days, technology has become such an integral part of our lives. Everything from smartphones and tablets, through to humble washing machines and fridges, are packed with technology that was unimaginable even a few short years ago. Yet, while we all enjoy the benefits of our new high-tech world, few of us actually understand how it any of it actually works – we just take it for granted. To give children an appreciation of the inner workings of the ubiquitous gadgets around us, many parents are now turning to robotics classes to physically show just how much power their kids have in their hands.
What exactly is robotics?
Robots are programmable machines that perform mundane and dirty tasks that humans would rather not do, like making cars, cleaning floors and everything in between. Robotics involves the design, creation and running of such robots. The advantages are that robots never get tired, don’t need a holiday and are generally more efficient, and as a result the future will see many more robots entering more aspects of our everyday lives.
Robotics is an exciting and hand-on way for kids to learn STEM concepts. And in the process of building their own robots, young learners can improve their programming skills, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration and academic performance.
Five of the ways robotics can benefit your child:
- Improves programming skills
Classes in robotics are a super way to introduce kids to the essentials of programming. Robotics is hands-on, practical and fun. Children find programming much more interesting that just learning programming theories without any real-world application. Kids get to see with their own eyes just how their programming affects robots and helps them achieve tasks.
- Builds up critical thinking skills and creativity
When first encountering a robot, children naturally wonder “how does it do that?”. This response from kids inevitably leads them to employ critical thinking skills. Robotics also provides students with the ideal opportunity to use their boundless creativity as they try to think ‘out of the box’ in order to come up with solutions.
- Boosts teamwork skills
Learning robotics and building robots naturally requires children to collaborate. It creates an environment in which kids can sharpen their social skills. As children work alongside their peers, they are joined by a common interest in technology and their project work.
- Drives an interest in STEM
Do your children make excuses when given maths or science homework. Do they seem bored by science? Then robotics is the solution. Robotics is about ‘doing’ rather than just ‘learning’ the theory, thereby making them an easier way to engage children. Children learning robotics can apply their new skills into other science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields. Concepts taught in robotics can even be applied to subjects like economics and statistics.
- Prepares children for the future
The only constant thing about the future is that it is continually changing. With advancements in technology happening every single day, many experts believe that robotics is a field that presents tremendous opportunities. By learning robotics now, you can make sure that your children will be fully prepared for the future.
Robotics classes at Neoversity
Neoversity offers the following robotics classes:
Robotics for 5-8 year olds
This robotics class introduces children early on to STEM and technology. Through assembling various types of robots such as a car or a helicopter, young learners can develop their skills through a fun and exciting experience.
Thursdays 1:00pm – 1:50pm & Saturdays 2:00pm – 2:50pm
Robotics for 9-12 year olds
By building their own robots, students will learn more about the different mechanical and electrical components used in robotics and how they work.
Saturdays 1:00pm – 1:50pm
