In today’s world, it seems all students need to be equipped with STEM knowledge and the creative problem-solving skills necessary to be innovative and creative thinkers. Todd County Central High School and South Todd Elementary School STLP students have taken the initiative and are working to create environments where learning happens in a hands on and motivational way.
TCCHS STLP students, Monte Waldrop and Jon Beard, recently assisted STES students with their RCX, or Robo Challenge Xtreme, to help them build and program their own robot. RCX is a challenging, yet fun, way for your students to expand their knowledge of math and science through a challenging robotics competition. RCX is a team activity designed to strengthen student’s teamwork skills, communication skills, computer programming and problem solving skills. Students must work together to construct, design, and develop a unique strategy to accomplish tasks that change from year to year. In 2015-16’s challenge, "Avalanche Rescue Challenge", students must be prepared to program their robot to clear the roads, rescue a mountain climber, or climb a mountain, along with other tasks as the robot makes its way to the weekend retreat. Students have the opportunity to participate in a challenging competition to test their skills against students from their own school, or at regional tournaments, with opportunities to advance to state competitions.
Both schools benefit from the collaboration and ingenuity of the students. Ghan Smith, TCCHS STLP Coordinator said, “By using LEGOs, students and adults find common ground that bring the two age groups together. Computer based, technology based investments in the classroom are investments in the future of our students and communities.” South Todd Robotics and Todd County Central High School League of Legos will compete in the regional completion at Auburn Elementary School on February 27.