Perry Elementary School Using Robotics to Solve Problems in the Real World

5th grade students in Mrs. Zitsman’s class at Perry Elementary School are learning how robotics can help solve scientific problems around the planet. The students began an in depth study of the tsunami that took place in Japan in 2005. Their team researched how robots were used to gather data underwater from the nuclear reactors. This translated into their hands-on learning using sensors and motors to program VEX robotics from Project Lead the Way. The students were engaged in the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices and looking for the Cross Cutting Concepts of patterns and cause and effect. Student research also revealed how robotics could be used locally to help at the recently closed San Onofre nuclear plant near San Clemente.