Joy Schwartz, STEM program coordinator, teaching the use of Lego sets as a tool for learning robotics and programming to the group of third to fifth grade teachers on Aug. 22, 2022 at the GCA Trades Academy building in Tiyan at the first training program sessions.
Kindergarten teachers learn to use a Lego set during the robotics training program on Aug. 22, 2022, at the GCA Trades Academy building in Tiyan.
Reporter intern
Guam educators are learning new methods through a robotics and programming training program, including how to use Lego as teaching tools.
On Monday, the first training session for robotics was held 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the GCA Trades Academy at Tiyan. The training program will continue through Friday.
“We’re trying to increase exposure to robotics in the classroom starting at the youngest grades,” said David Camacho, program coordinator under curriculum and instruction.
Joy Schwartz, STEM program coordinator, teaching the use of Lego sets as a tool for learning robotics and programming to the group of third to fifth grade teachers on Aug. 22, 2022 at the GCA Trades Academy building in Tiyan at the first training program sessions.
Camacho describes how robotics is a great way to teach science technology, engineering and mathematics to students. However, for teaching younger students, the approach may be different.
Camacho said Lego sets are great for teaching robotics in an elementary school.
“We are trying to provide another way for teachers to teach the curriculum. … As far as I know, all the kids love it. Now we’re just trying to get the teachers familiar with it,” said Camacho.
The training session Monday was broken into two groups. One of the groups had third-grade to fifth-grade teachers; the other had kindergarten teachers.
The two groups used specific Lego sets that introduced robotics and programming to the students.
The training session itself was mostly hands-on, with the teachers learning how to put together and use the Lego sets.
Kindergarten teachers learn to use a Lego set during the robotics training program on Aug. 22, 2022, at the GCA Trades Academy building in Tiyan.
The kindergarten group used a STEAM Park set. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math.
“If we can catch them early in kindergarten, then we can introduce some of the language,” said trainer Peggy Reimers.
The set uses color coding, which can make it easier for kids in kindergarten to understand.
Jenn Ancayo, kindergarten teacher at Ordot-Chalan Pago Elementary School, was one of the teachers who participated in the training and is looking forward to incorporating this training program into her class.
“I did hear her say that it starts in kindergarten, and that they are little, but they are capable,” said Ancayo.
Nathaniel Dulla can be reached at
NDulla@guampdn.com.
Reporter intern
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