Junior High Lego Robotics: Robotic Arm Project

At our school, we’re always looking for innovative ways to engage students in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering,  Art and Mathematics) education. This year, our Junior High students in the Lego Robotics Option took their learning to the next level with a thrilling final project that combined engineering, creativity, and teamwork.

The Challenge: Building Robotic Arms

For their final project, each of our students was tasked with building a Lego robotic arm. But they didn’t just stop there – each arm had to be equipped with two unique hand attachments, each serving a distinct function. This meant that the students had to think critically about how their attachments would work, how the robotic arm could move, and how to design a system that would seamlessly bring their vision to life.

Building and designing their robotic arms gave them the opportunity to learn coding, problem-solving, and mechanical design. Their arms were able to perform a variety of tasks including picking up and moving objects to more complex motions like rotating and lifting. 

Inviting Grade 1 Students for a Test Drive

What makes this project even more special is how our Junior High students shared their hard work with the younger students in the school. Our Lego Robotics students invited a group of Grade 1 students to come and test the robotic arms. It was an opportunity for our young innovators to showcase their creations and to inspire the next generation of students.

The Grade 1 students were amazed as they interacted with the robotic arms, marveling at how each arm performed its task. They learned firsthand about robotics, programming, and engineering, and they couldn’t have been more excited to see what the future of technology holds. It was heartwarming to see how the Junior High students took on the role of mentors, answering questions, demonstrating how their robots worked, and encouraging the younger students to explore the world of STEAM.

Building Skills Beyond the Robots

While the robotic arms were the stars of the show, the project’s impact went far beyond just building machines. Through this project, our Junior High students developed a wide range of essential skills:

• Problem-solving: Every design challenge required students to think critically and creatively to find solutions.
• Teamwork: Many of the projects involved collaboration, where students worked together to refine their designs and solve any obstacles they encountered.
• Communication: The opportunity to present their work to the younger students allowed our Junior High students to practice articulating complex ideas in an engaging and accessible way.
• Innovation: This project sparked a sense of excitement and innovation, as students explored what was possible with robotics and how they could push the boundaries of their designs.

A Bright Future Ahead

This Lego Robotics project is a perfect example of how hands-on learning can spark creativity and build crucial skills in students. As our Junior High students move forward, they will carry with them the confidence and problem-solving abilities honed through this project. And who knows? Some of the Grade 1 students who were inspired by the robotic arms might one day follow in their footsteps and create their own innovations in the world of robotics!

We are incredibly proud of our students’ hard work, enthusiasm, and willingness to share their knowledge with others. It’s experiences like these that help shape our future leaders and innovators. We can’t wait to see what they come up with next!

To see the arms in action, take a look at the video HERE!

Lego Robotics