The Whitewater Community Foundation has announced that it will be providing support through a community action grant to robotics programming within the Whitewater Unified School District’s three elementary schools.
According to the release, the foundation has advanced some $1,500 to the district to go toward the purchase of a Spike Prime robot, a robotics learning tool created by The Lego Group, a privately held company based in Denmark, according to its website, with a goal of providing the tool to the district’s elementary school league.
LEGO Education Spike robot kits are designed to inspire students to “explore more advanced creations and continue to nurture their interest in STEAM learning,” according to information provided by the company.
According to information released by the Whitewater Community Foundation, there are robotics teams in each of the Whitewater Unified School District’s buildings.
The grant will provide funding to purchase a Spike Prime robot for use within the district’s “First LEGO League,” which is comprised of teams within each of the district’s three elementary schools: Lincoln, Washington and Lakeview.
At Lincoln Elementary School, a team called the Lincoln Brick Layers will work under the advisement of Lisa Kaminski. At Washington Elementary School, the Washington Brick Layers will work under the advisement of Chris Nate and Valerie Troxel, and at Lakeview Elementary School, a team, called the Lakeview Bricklayers, will be advised by Sara Brautigam, the release stated.
While students will build robots using a kit, each team will be charged with stylizing its creation, using additional mechanisms provided by LEGO, with an objective to complete assigned tasks, the release noted.
Students also will be responsible for programming the robots.
Additionally, the release noted, Whitewater High School students from the school’s robotics club, Ferradermis Team No. 6574, will act as mentors to the younger robotics students.
While Ferradermis receives some school district funding, the release stated that the program also is funded through grants, corporate sponsorships and donations.
Those interested in donating to the robotics programs are encouraged to visit the foundation’s website: www.whitewatercommunityfoundation.org.
About the Whitewater Community Foundation
According to the release, The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures,” through scholarships and community action grants. The Whitewater Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
Whitewater Community Foundation Coordinator Bonnie Miller, back row, from left, foundation board member Ginny Coburn, foundation board co-president Roni Telfer, and team advisor of the Lincoln Brick Layers Lisa Kaminski, along with Lincoln Brick Layers team members Saul Mendoza, front row, from left, Amelia LeFaive, Paige Callahan and Emma Kuzoff, all of whom are in fifth grade, gather during a recent check presentation. The money will be used to support equipment for the full elementary-school-level First LEGO League. Contributed photo.
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