Southbridge Public Schools Receives Robotics Grant

Southbridge Public Schools has been awarded a grant of approximately $4,000, designated for advancing their robotics program. This funding, generously allocated by Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in collaboration with FIRST Robotics, has been used to acquire LEGO SPIKE Prime robotics kits.

The kits feature guided learning and coding instructions, encouraging learning through play and imagination.

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) education can play a significant role in priming students for success in various fields, and in recent years, Southbridge Public Schools have been working to give students access to robotics training, primarily through the 21st Century after-school program, with plans to expand robotics into the educational curriculum.

“This has been the year of robots in Southbridge,” said Donna Zanelli, who coordinates science programing for all Southbridge schools.

While the kits will primarily be used by after-school students, Zanelli said the administration is exploring options for incorporating robotics in regular classes.

“The integration of science, technology and math develops critical thinking skills,” Zanelli said, adding the hands-on and group-oriented nature of robotics help students learn critical skills like working together."