Another innovative learning experience is underway for students, courtesy of The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation (HPELF), and Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB).
At the first-ever Minds in Motion HPE STEM Challenge, teams of Grade 7 and 8 students will go head-to-head building robots at a competition.
DATE: Tuesday, May 21, 2024
TIME: 9:30 am – 1:45 pm
LOCATION: Loyalist College, LINKS Lounge
For the past two months, teams of Grade 7 and 8 students have been participating in Developer Challenges at their schools. Each team has built robots using Micro:bit microcontrollers to control a Micro:Bot.
Students have written the code to navigate their Micro:Bot through a predesigned obstacle course. Teams participating in the Minds in Motion HPE STEM Challenge at the college will receive a challenge to work on during the final competition, where one team will be crowned the winner.
The Minds in Motion HPE STEM Challenge is happening through the generous support of donors to the HPELF’s Science and Technology Fund. This experiential learning provides authentic, hands-on learning experiences that challenge them to further their learning in the areas of Science, Math, Engineering and Technology.
Twenty-four HPEDSB schools received funding from HPELF to purchase Micro Bot Kits, adding to the existing STEM cart that is used to teach students how to code robotics.
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“The Minds in Motion HPE STEM Challenge is another way HPEDSB is providing innovative opportunities for students. Events like these are preparing students for the future. Thank you to The Learning Foundation for partnering with us,” said Katherine MacIver, Director of Education, Hastings Prince Edward District School Board.
“We had a limited amount of knowledge about coding before we started this project, it was challenging,” said a Bayside Secondary School student. “We had a lot of fun and learned to persevere.”
“Through the Minds in Motion HPE STEM Challenge, our donors have provided an exceptional opportunity for students to learn cutting edge skills that will propel them with real world transferrable skills for the future,” said Kellie Brace, Executive Director of HPELF.
Ally, Sophie and Peyton, the North Hastings High School team, display their Micro:Bot.
Team members Jacob, Wes, Jonah and Justin, from Tyendinaga Public School, proudly show off their Micro:Bot.