Robotics meets art at student exhibition

CHRISTIAN College Bellarine students taking part in a new program have shared their learning journey, creative artwork and robots in action with their families.

A new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) program was introduced to the Year 2 students this year.

Throughout Semester 1, the students have designed and built a robot through exploration of design possibilities and mechanical concepts.

They programmed their robots using block coding software NXT to create movement, sensors to manipulate inputs and loops to control repeating actions.

During their Visual Art lessons, the creative minds of the Year 2 students were engaged in a multitude of design options and the students have created two and three-dimensional artworks around the topic ‘Robots’.

“The end result of this interdisciplinary approach to learning and also being afforded the input of a team of extremely experienced and talented teachers, is highly engaged students who not only see how closely different disciplines can be connected in order to achieve meaningful learning and a worthwhile outcome, but students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration and develop the ability to employ creative processes,” deputy head of campus Pam McKeeman said.

“This particular unit of work culminated recently in an exhibition where the students shared their learning journey, their creative artwork and robots in action with their families.

“It was very exciting and rewarding for all to see the enthusiasm and engagement of the students as they presented their robots, and we look forward with anticipation to seeing the continuation of this wonderful work throughout Semester 2.”