Young Innovators: Fifth Graders Making Strides in Robotics at Netzaberg Elementary

As a teacher, there are moments that stand out, and watching my fifth graders, Colt N. and Jeb A., dive into a STEAM challenge is one of those moments. These two exceptional students are making waves in the world of robotics, combining programming, engineering, and design to create a robot aimed at assisting marine biologists with tasks like tracking a large school of fish.

Their project is nothing short of impressive. Colt and Jeb have worked tirelessly to develop a prototype that reflects their understanding of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Their dedication has not only sharpened their technical skills but also cultivated critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. As a teacher, I am proud to see them take ownership of this project with such enthusiasm.

Part of the challenge includes preparing PowerPoint presentations to showcase their work. If they win, they will advance to the regional competition, a huge milestone. As Colt shared, “I have always loved coding, but this has taught me in depth. I want to be an architect when I grow up, so this is great preparation for my future career.” Jeb echoed a similar sentiment: “I want to work in the farming field. Technology will be a big part of farming. I want to be able to code tractors and bots to help with farm work.”

Beyond their technical abilities, what stands out to me is their passion for how technology can shape their futures. It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of encouraging students to engage in STEAM challenges. These types of projects do more than just teach academic concepts—they help develop skills like collaboration, perseverance, and adaptability.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our amazing IT teacher, Mrs. Grant. She has been instrumental in guiding Colt and Jeb, as well as all the students, through the complexities of the technology involved in this challenge.

Watching students like Colt and Jeb thrive in STEAM is exactly why these programs are so vital. The hands-on experiences they gain today will help them excel in their careers tomorrow. I am excited to see where their journey will take them and wish them the best of luck as they continue to innovate and inspire their peers.

This is just the beginning for Colt and Jeb, and I have no doubt that their future in science and technology is bright.