Full STEM Ahead in Lynbrook

Have you ever wondered how designers create video games that keep you glued to the screen for hours on end? Or have you thought about how robotics engineers can make robots effortlessly follow their every command? Students at the Lynbrook Public Schools Summer STEM Academy are discovering the answers to these and many more intriguing technology questions as they explore the world of robotics and video game design.

The Summer STEM Academy was created last year for students entering grades 6-9 who have a yen to use their science, technology, engineering and math skills in a collaborative and creative environment. The three-week program, which has 38 students enrolled, attracted a growing number of boys and girls this summer.

Under the direction of teacher Paul Rotstein, students in the video gaming classes use Game Star Mechanic to design, plan and implement original video games. They also critique each other’s games, rating them on criteria such as appropriately increasing levels of difficulty, ease of play and interest level. Then it’s back to the drawing board to modify and improve their designs based on their fellow gamers’ evaluations.

Using LEGO EV3 robotics software, students work in teams with teacher Sue Ehrlich to program their robots to perform specific challenges. Beginning students work with basic programming, such as making a Lego car move forward or backward, while returning students move on to more complex designs, such as building a robotic elephant that can walk and make sounds.

“Sometimes it can be very complicated,” said Jack Viceconte, who is entering eighth-grade at Lynbrook North Middle School. “You have to put the pieces together like a puzzle.”

“It’s great to watch that creative spark ignite as students unlock the keys to learning the fundamental skills of robotics and program design,” added Neil MacDermott, the instructional technology coordinator for the district.

Submitted by Lynbrook Schools