ICT
ROBOGALS WORKSHOP
On Monday 7 October, the Year 9 Robotics students had the incredible opportunity to participate in a hands-on STEM workshop hosted by Robogals at Monash University, Clayton campus. This engaging program allowed students to dive into the world of robotics using our Lego Spike Prime robots and participate in a sustainable housing case study.
During the workshop, students explored real-world applications of technology through engaging in a housing case study. Students collaborated to brainstorm ideas on the difficulties and possibilities of sustainable unorthodox housing options for the future. These discussions emphasised the importance of logical thinking and the engineering process, helping students understand how engineers approach problem-solving.
The LEGO SpikePrime workshop introduced students to the basics of block coding, engineering principles, and the functionality of the LEGO SpikePrime robots. The activities involved learning how to move the robot, use its colour sensor, and use its ultrasonic sensor. At the end, students participated in an automated robot sumo fight to see which team’s robot was the last standing. This robotics workshop offered a fun and engaging environment for students to develop their coding skills.
The students were enthusiastic and eager to learn, showcasing their teamwork and innovative ideas as they tackled challenges. By the end of the session, many expressed newfound excitement about the possibilities within the engineering field.
We are grateful to Robogals for providing this enriching experience and inspiring our future engineers.
On Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 January 2025, Robogals is also hosting Engage Engineer, a two-day event for Year 9 and 10 students of any gender, also held at Monash University Clayton Campus. This event introduces students to engineering through interactive workshops such as launching a paper rocket, a robotic car competition, testing aerodynamics in a mini wind tunnel, and more!
Keep an eye out for information on the Compass Newsfeed for registration information, and you can sign up and have an amazing time with STEM during the school holidays.
Hieu Dang
ICT Teacher
Students’ comments:
On Monday, right after the school holidays, I went on the robotics Robogals excursion at Monash University. There, I spent the whole day doing fun activities such as exploring new forms of housing and working with the LEGO spike robots. My personal favourite part of the excursion was playing around with the SpikePrime robots where I learnt how they sense their surroundings and how to take advantage of its properties. In the end, the excursion was a blast and I learnt quite a lot. I would definitely recommend it if you get the chance.
Roger Pham, Year 9
Robogals was an engaging excursion which was held at Monash University, where we had the opportunity to explore ingenious concepts in engineering and technology. During the event, we learned about various locations suitable for building houses such as underground and on a tree which helped us gain insights into urban planning and sustainable development. This knowledge was complemented by hands-on activities that encouraged creativity and problem-solving skills.
One of the highlights of the day was using the LEGO Spike Prime kits to learn the fundamentals of coding. We were guided through the process of programming the robots by the volunteers, which culminated in an exciting sumo wrestling activity. In this friendly competition, our robots faced off against each other, showcasing the coding skills we had just acquired. The combination of learning and playful competition made Robogals an unforgettable experience, inspiring us to further explore the fields of robotics and engineering. I would recommend anyone who is keen in coding and robotics to attend future Robogals events.
Atharv Desai, Year 9
Robogals STEM Workshop was a day full of learning, creativity, and excitement. It opened our eyes to the fascinating world of STEM and inspired us to explore engineering even further. We left Monash University with a newfound enthusiasm for engineering and the endless possibilities it holds. A massive shoutout to Mr Dang, our fantastic Robotics teacher, who made this unforgettable experience possible for us. This was an awesome way to kick-start a new term of robotics and I can’t wait to see where our new skills take us next!
Kiara Naidoo, Year 9