Novi Students Steal the Show at Technology Showcase
Located in the heart of Novi, Michigan, the local elementary school recently made headlines for showcasing impressive student talent at a technology event like no other. On December 4, four sixth graders from Novi Meadows Elementary School had the exciting opportunity to step into the spotlight, demonstrating their robotics skills to an audience filled with legislators, business leaders, and tech enthusiasts during the Student Technology Showcase at the Michigan State Capitol.
The Event: A High-Tech Celebration
This dazzling event, organized by the Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning, aimed to exhibit how technology is expertly integrated into classrooms across the state. For these bright young minds, the event was more than just a presentation; it was a chance to shine and highlight the hard work they put into their unique robotics program.
Only about 25 schools statewide were selected for this fantastic showcase, and that included our very own Novi Meadows. This school makes waves with its innovative six-week robotics course, a special class that fits right alongside traditional subjects like art, music, and P.E. The aim? To nurture a passion for tech and robotics among students.
Meet the Robotics Dream Team
The group of four aspiring young engineers was led by their enthusiastic teacher, Tom Michalski. He handpicked these specific students based on their programming skills and ability to work diligently and precisely. “We wanted to show off the investment that the community of Novi has made in our robotics program and let these talented youngsters shine,” said Michalski.
During the showcase, these students did not just display their coding prowess; they also got the chance to be *teachers* themselves, showing attendees how to program a state-of-the-art industrial robot arm. Among the audience was David Lewis, the president of AT&T Michigan, who found himself learning from the impressive young instructors. “They were absolutely fearless,” Michalski added, chuckling at how the kids treated him just like any other attendee.
A Dance Party to Remember
Among their many projects, the highlight was their creation titled Robot Dance Party, where they programmed the robot to dance in sync with music. “We actually timed the waypoints to move with the rhythm,” explained sixth grader Derek Shi. The crowd watched in awe as the robot executed moves, picking up blocks and tossing them into a bucket like a pro. “It was so much fun seeing the robot dance; I love coding and knowing I helped make this happen,” stated Quentin Gedeon, another member of the team.
Learning Through Fun
But what makes the robotics program truly special? According to Michalski, it’s not just about coding or working with robots. “It’s about teaching invaluable skills like logical thinking and problem-solving. It’s amazing to see the progress they make in only a few weeks,” he said. The students learn to operate a Universal Robots UR3D, an actual industrial robot—a rarity for sixth graders! In fact, Novi Meadows is one of the few schools in the country where students this young are learning on such high-tech equipment.
Quentin and his peers pointed out how they’ve grown from beginners to being able to execute programs they’ve perfected over the months. They put in so much work, mastering the skills necessary to show off their creations at the showcase. And if witnessing these young learners take the reins and teach adults wasn’t cool enough, Michalski made it clear that they also learned to *think critically*, which is vital in every job in our ever-evolving workforce.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
As the showcase wrapped up, the joy and excitement of the students could be felt in the air. Michalski, enthusiastic about his first year in the robotics program, expressed gratitude for the support he receives from both the community and the Novi school district. “Honestly, it just makes teaching so much fun when you’re surrounded by kids excited to learn!”
With young talents like these, it’s hard not to feel hopeful about the future. The robotics program at Novi Meadows isn’t just turning heads today; it’s shaping the problem-solvers and innovators of tomorrow.
