In a vibrant showcase of innovation and education, Heather Atlee from Southside Imagineer Studios introduced young students to the world of coding and robotics during a recent demonstration. The event highlighted the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, particularly for first graders Ryan Rankin and Jordan Stacy, who demonstrated their coding skills by programming a robot to navigate a simple path.

Atlee explained the foundational concepts of robotics, emphasizing that robots require coding to function, as they lack independent thought. The students engaged actively, using a series of commands to guide the robot, showcasing their understanding of basic programming principles.

The presentation also featured MaKey MaKey robots, which allowed students to explore circuits by completing a circuit to play a song. This hands-on activity illustrated the practical applications of coding and electronics in a fun and engaging manner.

Additionally, Atlee introduced Lego Spike kits, funded by a grant, which fifth-grade students had used to create their own robots. These students are transitioning from block coding to more advanced word coding, demonstrating significant progress in their technical skills.

Atlee concluded the event by announcing the successful acquisition of a $25,000 grant aimed at enhancing the STEM curriculum, crediting the hard work of her team and the students involved. The event not only celebrated the students' achievements but also underscored the growing emphasis on early STEM education in fostering future innovators.