MBJH leads the way in robotics
An innovative engineering programs has captured the attention of a number of students at Mountain Brook Junior High.
Project Lead the Way is an activity and problem solving curriculum designed to challenge students in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) world. A combination of engaged educators and corporate partners help students develop skills to succeed in our global economy. James Salvant leads both the classroom and Robotics Club for more than 170 students by implementing this new curriculum at MBJH.
There are two levels of competition that the students will be working on over the next eight months. The VEX IQ and VEX Robotics competitions will bring together students from elementary through high school in a team-based skills challenge using programming, robots and animation. The concepts that students learn in the classroom are put to the test in this competition developing teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
Teammates Caleb Summitt, an eighth grader, and John Shows, a seventh grader, said they are excited about working together.
“We can build robots to solve problems,” Summitt said.
MBJH has created a design lab that contains equipment for the students to build their prototype in 3D form. It isn’t just a paper printout of their concept, but a real working model they can test and rebuild to their liking.
Lennon Groover, an eighth grader, is anticipating what he can create with his hands and equipment. Being able to see the solution to a problem come to life gives these students an opportunity to understand their lessons in action and build critical thinking skills.
Seventh grader Ethan Gonzalez said he thinks that “robotics is really fun and a way to enjoy something that I’ve already been doing.”
By the time Ethan and his fellow team members graduate from high school, the need for people in this field will be growing by leaps and bounds. MBJH is strategically providing the opportunity and resources to develop these students to be leaders in technology.