KINGDOM CITY, Mo. - Robots have invaded the North Callaway High School.
The good thing is that they were invited.
Math teacher Kevin O’Neal was inspired by his brother, who works in robotics maintenance, to create a new robotics and automation program at the high school level. The class is taught as part of an after school program that meets every Tuesday and Thursday in the industrial technology department of the school.
“This is my first year doing this so I’m just getting my feet wet,” O’Neal said. “It allows the kids to explore different concepts of applied mathematics that they have learned in the classroom in a way that is hands-on.”
The students in the program use their knowledge of mathematics, combined with a unique system of building blocks and computerized motors to build automated machines.
“What we do is we use LEGO robotics kits that we can use to build many different types of things depending on what we want the robot to do,” O’Neal said.
The machines the students build can be used for a myriad of tasks including navigating through a maze, picking up and moving objects, and even automatically responding to light and sound.
The program is the only one of its kind in Callaway County, but the students eventually will take their work to regional contests, where they will match their skills against other schools throughout Missouri.
“The competition requires that the team build a robot to complete a specific task,” O’Neal said.
As students Lee Bell, Brett Moore, and Zeth Lavy worked on a machine that ran on treads similar to a tank, they explained that because their program is so new, there is some catching up to do.
“We went to one competition and we found out how far behind we actually were,” Bell said. “We asked the other teams and they have been doing this for three or four years. Right now we are still learning, but I think in three or four years we will be able to give them some competition.”
Student Eric Adams, who has been working with similar programs at the elementary and middle school levels, says that the program is a fun and interesting way to learn.
“Right now it’s just a hobby, but one day it may turn into my career,” Adams said.
By CHRIS WALLER
The Fulton Sun
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