Once the ladybug bots were decorated and assembled, the girls tried running them.
Third grader Francesca Iasella said
she took the Girls Rock Robotics class
because, “I thought it would be cool.”
She said she likes science and math.
“Math is kinda challenging. I like to
figure out problems. Easy is boring!” she
announced.
FOX CH APE L AR EA SC H OO L NE WS
ox Chapel Area
Her sister, fourth grader Anna, who
also took the class, said that she and
Francesca were already somewhat familiar
with robots. “I think it’s a really good
experience,” Anna said of the class.
subjects, which might even help form
interests later on.”
Kristen agreed, saying, “I think it is
important that the girls learn about
robotics and STEM concepts at such a
young age so that by the time they get to
the high school, they are aware of their
interests.”
After forming their bug shells, the rockin’
robotic girls got to paint and decorate
them. “I want mine to be purple,”
third grader Hannah Parker said, after
expressing that her favorite part of the
class was using “cool machines.”
Once decorated and assembled, each girl
got to try out the autonomous robot that
she created then take it – and her new
robotics knowledge – home.
A high school mentor explains how to glue the
two switches to the back of the battery holder,
how to measure and cut a metal holder to use as
a motor plate, and then how to test and tape the
motors into place.
Third grader Kate Henn said when she
heard about the after-school robotics
class, “I said, ‘Wow! maybe I can
experience building a robot.’” She hopes
to become a scientist or engineer. “I am
really interested in robotics.”
“It’s great seeing so many girls curious
about STEM and interested in taking our
robotics class,” Helen said. “Elementary
school is an especially great time to try
new activities and get exposure to new
16 Fox Chapel Area
Wearing safety goggles that they decorated
themselves, the younger girls measured wire
and, using wire cutters, stripped the ends so that
they could be soldered to make connections to
components of the robots.
And as Theresa pointed out, she hopes
that the girls learned not only about
robots and STEM subjects, but also
patience, teamwork, and the value of
helping each other. “I want the girls
to know that math and science can
be difficult at times, but are extremely
valuable skills to learn and understand…
It was also great to see the girls helping
each other out on various difficult steps.”
The girls were divided into small groups and
their mentors explained step-by-step how to
build their own robots.
“We’ve had some awesome comments
from the girls,” Courtney said.
“Everything in STEM is so exciting that
I, and the other group members just want
to share everything we know about it.
Even if the girls might not love robotics,
I think it’s important for them to see
that older girls are doing STEM-related
things, and they can too.”
High school freshman and mem &W"