River Valley Students Learn Robotics With Hummingbird Kits

LEMONT, IL — Students at River Valley in Lemont recently put their STEAM skills to the test as six classes created projects using the Hummingbird robotics kit from BirdBrain Technologies. Students used coding and art skills as they created projects which ranged from a Minecraft character mining a block to a girl playing the keyboard.

The projects were part of a pilot program this year for the school, so six classes, two each in third, fourth and fifth grades, created projects and then showed them to their peers.

River Valley Principal Debby Lynch and instructional coach Maria Papiez came across the kits at an education conference a few years ago, and starting working to implement them for River Valley students.

With students learning remotely and in-person, the project worked well for all students.

"The pilot teachers were so excited and the kids were engaged in learning," Lynch said. "It was perfect for a time like COVID as each child had their own kit and was able to build and work at their own pace and speed."

Students told Patch that they enjoyed creating a design and making it come to fruition. They also described difficulties they encountered with motion sensors and how they sometimes had to completely rework their ideas.

Next year, the project will be rolled out to all 30 teachers at the school, Lynch said.

"Every student should have a kit in their hand by the end of the year next year," she said.

The District 113A Educational Foundation and the parent teacher organization also assisted with the pilot program of the project.

The Hummingbird kits include LED lights, distance sensors, light sensors, rotating pieces, sound sensors and more, for students to implement in their projects.