Bundy challenge leads to 'robotics learning community'
Published on 06 August, 2009
The Trek* Robotics Challenge held recently at CQUniversity Bundaberg Campus was a huge success, with participants finding it a valuable tool for learning - not just a fun event...
Organisers have now set up a 'robotics learning community', the first robotics organisation for Bundaberg.
Some of the BLM student helpers Pictured - L to R Back row - Zenna York, Theresa Larcome, Peter Feerick L to R front row - Deborah Daly-Ruthenberg, Lyn Bowles, Sharon Thomas
This community is raising awareness of the benefits of working towards a career in technology.
Students attended the challenge from Sharon State School, McIllwraithe State School, Kalkie State School, Yandarran State School and Burnett Heads State School.
This robotics challenge was a collaborative community event. Primary school students found out that the challenge was not all about winning but also about the social learning and team work involved in using robotic concepts across the curriculum.
The winning schools on the day were:
- Yandarran: Louie the Fly documentary;
- Kalkie: Destructinators Candy land Abyss;
Some of the successful participants
- Kalkie: Terminating termites mystery;
- Kalkie: Dominators Narrative (evil scientist).
This event could not have been the success it was without the support and assistance of sponsor Australian Microelectronics Centre.
Organisers have also thanked Bundaberg Campus Head Professor Phillip Clift, guest speaker Councillor Lorraine Pyefinch, Lester Lewis (Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation) and judges Kerrie Aprile, Tony Nguyen (Microair Avionics Bundaberg), Peter Johnson, Marg Flanders, Ron Bishop and June Mogensen.
A lot of the organisation landed on the shoulders of project coordinator Rose-Marie Thrupp, lecturer for the Bachelor of Learning Management degree, and BLM student Shontelle Lewis. Also, there was a team of BLM student helpers.
Help came from original robotics teacher associates Sam Williams, Evette Williams, Peter Feerick, Sharon Thomas, Zenna York, Julie Hunt and robotics helpers Theresa Larcombe, Kate Connor, Emma Sivyer, Lyn Bowles, Kirsty Kasberger, Kate Vincent, Deborah Daly-Ruthenberg and Julie Wooley.
* TREK stands for Teaching Robotics Education across Key learning areas.
