Power to the girls
Fun, learning and robotics; It's proving to be a winning combination to get girls more engaged and interested in science, technology, engineering and science, or STEM-based learning.
Proof of this was when CPIT recently hosted the Canterbury regional RoboCup Junior New Zealand competition, which attracted 140 school-aged children. They put their robot design and building skills to the test in a number of disciplines. More than a third of the entrants were all-girl teams, or composite boy-girl teams. These numbers were encouraging, Canterbury RoboCup organiser Jill Pears said.
Pears' pupils and robotics team member Mia Wright aged 13, recently wrote a
school speech citing research from the United
States that STEM occupations were growing at 17 per cent compared with other
non-STEM jobs at 9.8 per cent.
"The future depends on my generation. Without STEM our country could be in deep, deep trouble as new career options open up that require knowledge, understanding and experience of STEM."
This is in line with robotics initiatives such as VEX Robotics, which includes VEX IQ, Kiwibots and Ecobots. Like RoboCup, these programmes not only show kids the mechanics of robot-building, they encourage fair play, sharing and teamwork, CPIT STEM Coordinator Miranda Satterthwaite said.
"The project based learning skills, combined with programming and mechanical engineering showcased in this competition reflects the type of learning undertaken in our Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree at CPIT. We hope these girls stay in science and technology, and possibly consider engineering one day."
Christchurch will host the national RoboCup Junior New Zealand Championships at Burnside High School on Saturday, September 12.
Results from Canterbury RoboCup Junior New Zealand competition on Sunday August 16:
1st The Rainbow Llama-Corns - Selwyn House
2nd Cyborg Zoo - Selwyn House
3rd Jack and the Beanstalk - Sumner School
1st 104 Days - Rangi Ruru
1st Shark Marshmallows - Ashburton intermediate
2nd Robot Russley - Russley Primary
3rd Robo Skill - Teehnotutorz
1st Joel and the Lads - Buller High School
1st The Untouchables - Burnside High School
1st FOSV3 - Fendalton Open Air School
1st - Insert Witty Pun Here - Rangi Ruru