HEA funded Robotics Mini-Camps for DCU Access TY students

With thanks to the HEA for funding, the DCU - LEGO Education Innovation Studio in partnership with the DCU Access Service ran a series of successful Introduction to Robotics minicamps.  Eleven schools took part in these camps from September to DEcember 2017.  Two of the schools (Rosmini Community School & St. Mary's Holy Faith Glasnevin) went on to take part in the FIRST LEGO League Tournament and were supported with a number of advanced robotics workshops in preparation.  In all over over 300 Transition Year students took part in the camps.

The workshops enabled students to engage with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in a fun, engaging and hands-on way.  Working with the LEGO Education Mindstorms EV3 kits, the students were introduced to the world of robotics by building and programming robots to complete various challenges.  

The students designed, constructed and modified robots, developing problem-solving and technical skills that are much sought after in industry.  They also programmed their robots to carry out specific tasks, developing workflow skills, learning about logic, loops, switches, blocks and more.  In addition to engaging with STEM-related content, the workshops also promoted teamwork, collaboration and peer to peer learning as students worked in groups to complete challenges.  The workshops also aided the further development of many of the Junior Cycle Key Skills, including Managing Myself, Staying Well, Communicating, Being Creative, Working with Others, and Managing Information & Thinking. 

The schools which took part in the program were: 
St. Vincent's Secondary School Glasnevin, 
Grange Community College, 
Rosmini Community School,
Cabra Community College, 
Beneavin De La Salle College,
St. Kevin's College, 
St. David's CBS, 
St. Mary's Holy Faith Glasnevin, 
Donahies Community School,
St. Michael's Holy Faith Finglas and 
Mercy College Coolock.