Dash Into STEM

Funded Nov 6, 2017

The day we used the Dash Robots we had them sitting on the floor in front of my desk and the students were immediately engaged in what was going on and it took off from there. Once we connected the Dash Robots to their tablet, we marked out a maze on the floor and students practiced getting a feel of how the controller worked. After each person in the group had a chance to drive, we had races to see who could get through the maze the fastest. Once done we moved to the code part. Using the same maze, students then had to write a code program to get the Dash to go through the maze. This required some different skills and patience. It was a great time of learning and exploration.

The students absolutely loved it! From the moment we turned them on, to the moment we were done with class they were fully engaged. They were problem solving with each other and cheering when their robot did well. There were conversations about strategy and how to get the best results. At then end of the class it was hard to get them to leave, as they wanted to know when they were going to get to use them again.

Our school does a STEM night each year for parents. Throughout the building we have different stations where you can do different STEM activities. This year we are so excited to use the Dash Robots that night. We are planning to have them out for a game of Don't Pop My Balloon. This will be a great way for our parents to see some of the ways that kids are using the robots and get a chance to play with them themselves.

Once again thank you so much.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Smith