Helping children learn through robotics

Thanks to a combination of a little science, technology and programming Sunshine Coast Council today helped to shape the future scientists and engineers of the Sunshine Coast.

Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said she was delighted to present the Sunshine Coast Homeschoolers with a Lego Robotics Kit to start a robotics club.

“Mayor Mark Jamieson and Councillors Greg Rogerson, Jason OPray, Christian Dickson, Tim Dwyer and I were pleased to help support six homeschoolers represent Queensland and the Sunshine Coast at the First Lego League National Robotics Challenge in Sydney recently,” she said.

“The students did us proud, finishing 16th out of 38 in the robot game component of the competition and gained many new, valuable skills along the way.

“Today we are happy to approve the remaining $400 in unspent funds to go towards a new Lego Robotics kit to continue the children’s learning journey.”

Sunshine Coast Homeschoolers Coach, Wayne Parrott said the robotics program strived to reassure young people that science and mathematics were “cool” and “fun” in the hope that they are inspired to pursue careers in these.

“The students competing have gained valuable insights into not only computer programming and robot programming – important skills for future generations’ employment prospects in the 21st century – but into teamwork, logistics and ‘co-opertition’,” he said.

“The kids had a wonderful experience, and we would like to say thank you once again to Sunshine Coast Council for enabling it to happen.

“Due to the positive outcome from the First Lego League, we would like to start a robotics club on the Sunshine Coast and thanks to council’s support we have been able to purchase the main item we need – a Lego Robotics Kit.

“We hope to now inspire more children to join the club and be part of this opportunity to create the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.

“This kit will be a great foundation to get the club started and we will work to build on this as more children become interested.”

For further details about the robotics club, visit www.facebook.com/SunshineCoastRoboticsClub.