Students in Mars Area Centennial School’s STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics) classes are receiving an introduction to computer programming with the aid of Finch robots.

The school recently purchased 20 Finch Robots through a Mars Planet Foundation Teaching Enrichment Grant and a PPG Grant. The robots can be coded to perform a multitude of tasks using motors and sensors and are equipped with multiple programming languages to aid users of different skill levels.

“Robots are an engaging part of our District’s STEAM program, which teaches students coding, programming, problem solving, and 21st Century skill,” says Chris Churilla, STEAM teacher, noting that the robots will be used by students to enhance their coding, programming and mathematics skills.

In one lesson, students will be asked to employ their measurement skills to code the robots to draw geometric shapes. Finch robots have an attachment that holds markers and other writing implements that enables them to draw while following a coded program.

For more information, call (724) 625-2601.