Mr. Mason will work with groups of fourth and fifth grade students to introduct them to basic robotics programming and robotics task-solving using the Lego MindstormsEV3 Robotics kits and Apple MacBook Air laptops. The goal is to increase their motivation and help them excel in math and science, sparking their curiosity in those fields.
"I believe children learn best by applying mathematics and problem-solving skills to real-world applications," Mr. Mason said. In addition, according to Mr. Mason, the Lego Mindstorms robotics kits "allow children to work collaboratively with their classmates while having intellectual conversations to solve problems."
Every year, Achieve awards grants to educators for summer professional development and school-wide initiatives that promote educational excellence and innovation.
Mr. Mason will work with students once or twice a week after school in a Robotics Club. Students will take part in competitions within Tuscan and present their own programming ideas. The experience could eventually lead to the creation of a Robotics Club at other district elementary schools and middle schools.