Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/609675
True engagement, the hallmark of an exceptional education, is a natural by-product of working with the robots and completing tasks. "I have to tell the students at the end of class that they have to leave. They are so immersed, they can barely hear me!" says M. Zagabe, who is clearly impressed with the students' enthusiasm. "Every single student is working at his or her own pace," he explains. Because the robots can be programmed using different languages, and the robots themselves are tech-based, "they are all completing the same work, but it's at their own pace using the program they choose to use." A First for TFS: First LEGO ® League Bob Tarle, executive director of technology and innovation, is relishing the introduction of First LEGO ® League this year, an optional co-curricular program in Grade 6 and 7, because the makings of a robotics continuum are now in place. "We recognized how engaged students were," he says, "and we're ensuring it's coming up through the MYP program." For the FLL competition, students are assigned a global problem. This year the theme is garbage in its many forms, which students worldwide research, and then use the robot to complete tasks that will potentially solve the issue. "The students need to draw from the IB Learner Profile as well as the MYP design cycle, by identifying a problem, interviewing customers, building a prototype and then testing it, all through the lens of a global issue," Mr. Tarle explains. "The robotics is the hook, but with that research, they see how their learning can be fun, engaging, and ultimately have a global impact." And students benefit from research support from Senior School librarian Echelle Nunan. While the Junior School is participating in First LEGO ® League for its third year, TFS now has two Senior School teams as well. Mr. Tarle likes to manage expectations: the competition is worldwide, and TFS' teams are new to the game. "Right now winning is not the objective," he says. "We want them thinking as a team, and getting that collaboration and those research skills going. We want them to be at ease with critical thinking, and at ease with the technology." If the enthusiasm and dedication of our up-and-coming programmers is any indication, a win can't be too far on the horizon. Learn more online! First LEGO ® League: Check out their video at http://bit.ly/FLL_vid Never too early to start! For our students as young as Pre-Kindergarten, discovering math and language concepts by learning to program a robot (or, in this case, a Beebot) takes academic work to new levels. Students are using Beebots to learn seasonal vocabulary, shapes, letters and even visually recognize their classmates' names. Once the forward command is mastered, Junior Kindergarteners can program the robot to turn and go backwards, by programming the bot's directional buttons and then hitting "Go." By Grade 1, the robot is integrated into the unit of inquiry on travel. Students learn to both write out and execute a course for the robot to follow, stopping on various landmarks and flags. Julia Lagman, technology integration teacher at both campuses, says, "The students, even at this young age, can acquire programming skills and spatial awareness, while also learning math and vocabulary." She adds, "It's a rich educational experience and multi- faceted. They love it!" 20 TFS ENTRE NOUS 2015