Students at Pana Junior High School are getting a unique opportunity to grow their mathematical and critical thinking skills and put them to use.  The school’s science department has a Lego robot program, where students create Lego robots to compete against each other in competitions.  The engaging nature of the work has drawn interest from many students, and they learn far more than just coding and engineering. 

Mark Schmitz, a seventh grade science teacher at PJHS, runs the program.  The school ran it previously, but Schmitz restarted it thanks in part to encouragement and guidance from administrators. 

The students quickly learn the heavy role math plays in their work, and other factors affect the calculations they make

Schmitz says Lego has done its part to make its robot kits as simple and intuitive as possible.  They create experiences which are fun and educational for kids of all ages. 

This is the first year of the program’s restart.  Schmitz hopes to incorporate it for all grade levels at the school so students can get more out of it. 

More information on Pana Schools is available at www.panaschools.com.

Mark Schmitz appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show.