Robotics focus of attention at Seaford M.S.

Seaford’s youth taking up robotics

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Robotics competitions have caught the eye of many eighth-graders at Seaford Middle School this year. Middle school students are learning the fast-growing subject in fun and exciting ways. As part of school-mandated technology requirements, students take a half-year of traditional shop class and a half-year of robotics.

In the introductory class, robotics teacher Matthew Dolan works with students on using VEX IQ robotics kits. The students work together to build robots and understand the basics of computer programming.

To begin the year, the young engineers built remote-controlled robots to compete in different challenges. In an activity called High Rise, two students competed using “claw bots” to move orange and yellow cones, or hubs, into scoring zones to earn points. Hubs that were placed in harder-to-reach zones were worth more points than those on the base level of the competition pit.

Dolan said that after operating the bots by remote control, students moved on to coding. They programmed a robot’s series of movements in sequence, which it followed with the press of a button.

Students said they enjoy the class because the competition aspect is fun, and they are learning more about technology. “When we get older, a lot of things are going to revolve around technology,” eighth-grader Michael Anzelone said. “Robotics is important to learn for later in life.”

Katie Kofod said she enjoys the class because it allows her to be creative and promotes teamwork. With the constant evolution of technology, she added, it is important for students to become familiar with robotics.

The middle school introduced the half-year program in 2017-18, hoping students would take an early interest in technology. Then robotics teacher Brian Heyanka said at the time that the class gave students a look into the field and an early chance to find their passion.

There is no shortage of bright students with a passion for technology. Seaford High School’s 2019 valedictorian, Lauren King, joined the school’s robotics team as a freshman — the only girl at the time. She also volunteered with FIRST Robotics — an international organization with programs for kindergartners through 12th-graders — and helps out at competitions.

Asked about her favorite subject, King said, “The one that I find most dear to my heart is definitely robotics.”

King interned at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, where she worked in the national nuclear data center, studying radioisotopes in positron emission tomography imaging for cancer treatment. She is currently studying nuclear engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Volunteers from the Seaford Middle School Junior Honor Society make sure that even younger students are learning to embrace technology. Each year, Seaford Harbor Elementary School students take part in STEAM Night, the acronym for science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Middle school students will once again lend a hand at this year’s event on Nov. 14.