Third-grade students at Forest Hill Elementary recently put their problem-solving and creativity to the test with a hands-on project inspired by the book The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. After reading the story, which centers around a robot named Roz who must learn to communicate with animals on a remote island, students embarked on a STEM challenge that blended literature and robotics.
The challenge required students to design mazes on a model island and program KaiBot robots to navigate them. Much like Roz had to understand and communicate with her animal neighbors, the students had to learn how to "communicate" with their KaiBots, using precise coding and problem-solving strategies. The robots had to move six inches per step and could only make right-angle turns, making careful measurement and programming essential to success.
Throughout the process, students encountered obstacles similar to those faced by Roz. They grappled with the complexities of measurements, the restrictions on movement, and the precision of their coding. But just like Roz, they learned that persistence and adaptability were key. When their robots hit dead ends or failed to follow the intended path, students revisited their designs, tweaked their measurements, and refined their code. For those who completed their maze early, the challenge continued as they practiced programming their KaiBots to tackle a classmate’s maze.
In addition to the technical challenges, the project allowed students to explore their creativity. Many incorporated nature-inspired elements into their maze designs, bringing the island setting of The Wild Robot to life.
This immersive project not only strengthened students’ skills in coding and engineering but also provided them with a platform to think critically and work collaboratively, embodying the innovative spirit of GMSD’s #gmsdaworldofourown.