Empower Rural China Students - 21st Century Skills

This summer, EEF collaborated with three high school students – D. Ang, E. Yu, and M. Liu – to bring robotics to Tonghe Primary School, Shacheng No.4 Middle School, and Tongfu South Street No.1 Middle School. Li Geng Sheng Projects purchased nine kits for these schools while the high schoolers created a curriculum for online teaching. The six-week-long workshop introduced students to the Engineering Design Process – a new way of problem-solving where students develop creative solutions based on the failures of past iterations. After several guided exercises in building a basic robot and programming with a sensor input, they were tasked with completing some missions on their own.

The students exhibited high levels of engagement and demonstrated creativity and perseverance in their work. Teacher Liu reflected on the class: “At the beginning, the kids had no idea what robotics was, and now they can write code to control the robot to accomplish a designated task. They have made tremendous strides, which would not have been possible without the very patient explanation and guidance from the teachers. We will definitely continue with the program to help more kids learn about robotics and cultivate their interest in programming.”

Special thanks to D. Ang (11th grader at Phillips Exeter Academy and founder of Robotica Institute, an outreach organization that focuses on spreading robotics to K-12 students with limited access to STEM), E. Yu (10th grader at College Preparatory School), M. Liu (9th grader at Head-Royce School), for providing the curriculum and executing the lessons. Instructor Dai, For sourcing and arranging for the purchase and delivery of the kits. Head Instructor J. Shang, Instructor Liu, Instructor Yang, and Instructor Wu, for facilitating the lessons.

Photo Credits: Courtesy of LGS Foundation