Four Reasons Your Kids Need to Learn Robotics

Want to prepare your kiddos for a future-proof career path? Here’s why you should get them into Robotics, mama!

Anyone else ever watch the awesomely terrible 80s TV show Small Wonder? It was about a little girl named Vicky who was actually…a robot! For many kids it may have actually been their first exposure to somewhat realistic robotics; we don’t doubt there’s a generation of Vickys out there right now!

Robotics is much more than just lifelike artificial intelligence, though. It touches on mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering and computer science. It deals with concepts like the design, construction, operation and application of robots, and also involves the use of computer systems for their control, sensory feedback and information processing.

So why teach children Robotics?

There almost seems to be an element of magic to robotics, doesn’t there? And what child doesn’t love magic? Of course, science is actually all about figuring out why and how things work – here’s exactly why this is so great for kids of all ages, from as young as 4 or 5!

1. Children Find it Fun

Not only is it super cool bringing a previously inanimate object to life, but robotics can also be an engaging way of introducing IT into a curriculum. Robotics can help kiddos channel competitive instincts with contests like building LEGO sets then seeing which goes fastest in a race. And it always makes for a fun and popular co-curricular activity (CCA)!

2. It’s a Great Gateway to Programming

You know what the first step is in addressing the complexities of fast-paced and ever-changing technology? Grasping what machines can and can’t do. Robotics also shows kids the importance of giving and following precise instructions.

3. Super Useful Skills for Future Employment

Perhaps you’ve heard, mama: robots can do everything from perform surgery to write news articles – today’s jobs won’t necessarily exist 10 or 20 years down the road. On the other hand, it seems a pretty safe bet that programming and robotics are only going to gain prominence in the job market going forward.

4. It Demystifies a Complex Technology

Trying (and sometimes failing) to build and program robots gives kids a newfound appreciation of their capabilities and strengths. Plus, understanding what machines can and can’t do is the best way to address the complexities of modern technology!

Want to get your child more involved in robotics building and programming activities? German European School Singapore (GESS) will be hosting its fourth RoboCup Singapore Carnival with the support of the RoboCup Singapore National Committee and students from Singapore Polytechnic on 18 February. A great spectacle for students that features some elements of show and competition, RoboCup introduces 5 to 14-year-old students to the field of technical research. It not only taps into the creative aspects of design and technology, but also fosters friendship and exchange between like-minded students from schools across Singapore and indeed all over Asia!

Participants can join workshops, compete in challenges and share their ideas about robotics. To find out more and to register, click here, mama!

All the details!
What: RoboCup Singapore Carnival @ GESS
Where: IES Hall, GESS Main Campus, 72 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289760
When: Saturday, 18 February, 2017, from 9am to 2pm
How much: Free! Click here to register!

To find out even more about GESS and its awesome Robotics program – including the popular Robotics CCA – join them at their next Open Classroom Day, mama! 

German European School Singapore (GESS), 72 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289760, www.gess.sg