The Inspired Science, Engineering and Technology (I-SET) Community Engagement Flagship project of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) participated in the SciFestAfrica exhibition, held recently in Grahamstown.
Why inspire awareness of science, engineering and technology through the fun activities of robotics? This is because although we are unable to confidently predict all the technological discoveries of the next few years, we can confidently predict that the next few years will include computer programming, electronic embedded systems, engineering design, and mathematics.
What we do know now is that I-SET robotics can be used to teach these concepts. At the same time, robotics encourages 21st century skill sets such as collaboration, time management, resource allocation, teamwork, problem solving, and communications.
Students grappled with the building of the robots using the MindStorms kit
I-SET presented a full-house workshop everday for one week. The two robots that went along worked very hard, and convinced at least three schools in the Eastern Cape to introduce robotics in their communities. The schools that attended the workshops included the Osizweni Science Centre, St Andrews Preparatory School, Johannesbrg German School, Nyandeni JSS, St Andrews College, Loraine Primary, Cambridge Primary, WP Preparatory, Hoerskool Colesburg, and Zamakulungisa Secondary. These learners, from diverse backgrounds, participated in the workshops, and learnt more than just the building and programming of a robot.
The programming of the robot was easy.
The I-SET project was represented by a team that included I-SET Buddies. A group of 30 Unisa students volunteered in 2012 to be trained as robotics mentors (I-SET buddies). Their responsibilities include the presentation of Science Expo workshops and the coaching of learners in schools in their communities. This team was part of the greater CSET delegation who participated in the SciFest.
The programming of the robot was easy
For more information, and photographs of the SciFest 2013:
Email: i-set@unisa.ac.za
Twitter: @ISETLEGO
*Article by Kabelo Pheeha and Patricia Gouws
