Thanks to a grant from the George A. and Margaret Mee Foundation, third-graders across the Vestal School District enjoyed a hands-on engineering experience courtesy of Kopernik Observatory & Science Center. Kopernik educators visited African Road Elementary on November 14 with the robotics program called "Dancing Birds."

Using LEGO WeDo mini-kits, Kopernik educator Pat Stacconi taught the students about the process engineers use to think, how motors, axles and gears work, and how to program simple software to make their "birds" dance and sing. Along with the STEM program was a lesson on working as a team to build a successful project.

Third-grade teacher Heather Bogart liked the program, not only because it gave her students an opportunity to develop their skills of scientific observation and inquiry, but also because the lesson came to them in the convenience of the school's own computer lab.

The district thanks the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center for working with our teachers and staff collaboratively across the district to provide a rich STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) experience, and the George A. and Margaret Mee Foundation for funding this program.

See the African Road web page for a slideshow of photos from the robotics lesson.