The Phenomenal Mama: FIRST Robotics Learning Center

When I got an invite from FIRST Robotics to bring the kids to come in for a one session, I knew this was something my 2 younger kids wouldn't want to miss. So one Saturday, I brought them to the FIRST Robotics Center in Greenhills just for them to get a feel of the practical application of Science and Math. .

The LEGO materials used in FIRST Robotics

My son is a LEGO fanatic. He really loves collecting and playing with his LEGO blocks. Everytime there's an occasion for gift giving, he asks for Legos.

My youngest daughter, on the other hand, loves learning about science concepts. She has an almost photographic memory like her dad, and will remember a specific detail she read from an almanac 3 years ago. This is the same girl who, when a teacher assigns her to read chapter 4 of her science textbook, will be so engrossed about learning new concepts that she will continue with the succeeding chapters until I call her attention to focus on the topic at hand.

I knew that making a robot out of legos was something that will totally make them excited!

FIRST Robotics Learning Center

FIRST Robotics Learning Center endeavors to implement the concept of learning with fun. Amidst technological advancements, kids these days spend majority of their time staying in front of computers or playing while in front of a display such as Playstation, iPad, iPhone, etc. We at FIRST Robotics Learning Center provides an alternative that purposes the kids to display their creativity through fun learning. With the center's fresh and innovative approach to robot designing, kids are assured of assimilating up-to-date information and manipulating state-of-the-art materials which are primarily utilized in the field of robotics. The center emphasizes on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in its quest to equip the students with competitive robotics literacy.

FIRST Robotics is the pioneering robotics center in the Philippines that uses state-of-the-art materials primarily utilized in the field of robotics. FIRST Robotics offer a STEM education approach to learning. Children will have fun and gain knowledge by engaging both their minds and hands.

They will learn to solve problems by building models, observing and reflecting on the results and facing challenges that will inspire them to continue learning.

My kids and I really appreciate how FIRTS Robotics integrated LEGO Education materials for the kids to get a better and in-depth understanding of mechanical and structural principles. By building, designing, and testing their own robots, my kds were able to pretend that they are young scientists and engineers, all while honing design technology, science, and math skills.

What is STEM?

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. In the new DepEd K-12 curriculum, STEM is one of the options for Year 11 and Year 12. According to the United States National Science Foundation, STEM fields are collectively considered core technological underpinnings of an advanced society. The term STEM is increasingly used in the context of a nation’s economic competitiveness. STEM education not only addresses the demand for scientists and engineers, but also is a key component of responsible, global citizenship.

Is it any wonder that most parents (like me) would want to encourage their kids to take on a STEM track for their Year 11 education.

Courses Offered:

First Robotics is open to kids from 4 to 16 years old who want to learn how to design, build and program robots to do what they want.

Our World of Adventures and Inventions (4 years old and up)
Children explore ways in which people and things move - for example, how animal and human bodies bend and jump, and how machines lift or spin. They learn about simple machines in the home and local community, design and build their own models.

Our World of Science and Technology (7 - 8 years old)
Children will learn about information and control technology (ICT) and math by making their models come to life using basic sensors, mechanical parts and drag-and-drop software commands with a computer.

Our World of Robotics (9 years old and up)
Students will learn and start designing more advanced models by deepening their understanding of different science concepts such as forces, motion and energy. Students will also start planning and designing their own program to control robot functions or behavior.

Our World Of Robotics

My kids are 10 and 11, so they were made to try Our World of Robotics. They were tasked to make a functioning robot and then to battle with another groups robo like in a sumo battle.

Watch the short video of what my kids did that day:

Here's a short video that shows what my kids did this morning at @firstroboticslearningcenter. It's a worthwhile after-school activity for kids who show inclination toward STEM subjects. It incorporates practical concepts of science, engineering and math for kids. My kids loved it, and it was so hard to get them to leave. Thanks #firstroboticslearningcenter for having us. #lego #legos #legomindstorms #roboticsforkids

A video posted by The Phenomenal Mama (@thephenomenalmama) on Aug 28, 2015 at 9:12pm PDT