Introducing children to robotics in a world where everyone especially the children are surrounded by hi-tech gadgets and tools can look like a rather challenging task. But nonetheless, constructing low technologies that are compact automatons from scraps is an easy, fun, and from a teaching perspective highly effective method of studying STEM at the age of frolic. With focusing on the problem of food wastes students learn about the aspects of sustainability and share useful ideas about how to save food. Over all, the method of constructing simple, Low – Tech robots from Scrap age values a lot of in terms of educational significance and in terms of the environment as well.

Hands-On Learning and STEM Education

The integration of building low-tech robots using scraps has one of the greatest advantages of enhancing stem learning in school. STEM subjects are basic for development of the problem solving and analytical skills that children have to possess in order to succeed in the society which is stepped in advanced technology. This also enables the children to work on these subjects through low-tech robotics projects in a manner that the abstract concepts can easily be understood.

For instance, while making a simple robot, children are introduced to the concepts of balance, mechanics and circuits among others. While making the moving parts and joining circuits, these are made to learn important concepts in physics such as force, motion and electricity. The above principles are even more pronounced when the kids can touch items and realize the resulting change in the robot’s movements or operations.

Low-tech robotics projects also require the children to solve problems. While playing with various kinds of materials and building diverse constructions, a child faces tasks that demand critical and creative thinking, for example, making a robot’s arm to move or stabilizing the construction. Such kind of learning problem by itself assists them with patience and the confidence with which they can attack a certain task.

Encouraging Creativity and Innovation

One of the most attractive benefits of creating building robots using scrap materials is that there are virtually no limits on the imagination. Due to the fact that the materials used in the construction of robots are usually/most of the time items found in homes or otherwise junk/rubbish, there is no specific way that the robot should be designed/programmed to be. This way children are able to ease their imagination and use recycled objects in a creative manner for instance a bottle cap becomes a wheel or a cardboard tube becomes a robot arm.

I have found that this activity is very flexible, which means that children are allowed to look for unusual approaches to solve design challenges. While pre-fabricated robot kits are predefined and come with cut-set paper instruction that acts as a guide using recycled materials, children are challenged to look at things differently and be responsible for their inventions. They become inventors as they try to construct their robots with a certain degree of creativity and certain functionality.

Furthermore, such approach enhances the divergent thinking where children are made to understand that there is more than one way of doing things. This mentality is a must regardless of whether one is going to pursue STEM profession or any other type of job that requires one to think outside the box.

Fostering Environmental Awareness

In addition ,  construction of robots from used materials is a noble idea which also helps in accurately improving knowledge of sustainability in the young ones. Using old items and turning them to functional robots teach children aspect of recycling and reducing waste which is beneficial to the environment.

This activity becomes a fun way of teaching children the importance of the environment as well as an educational manner of getting rid of items that would otherwise have been disposed of. It helps them to reflect on their consumer behavior and logic connected with trying to avoid wastage. If the educators will add conversations about the benefits of recycling to the environment into the activity, then children will grow with a sense of responsibility as they learn how their actions impact the environment.

Further, the utilisation of the recycled material emphasizes the thought that inventions do not necessarily mean the use of sophisticated accessories. It simply goes to show that even when put in a tight spot financially one can still make a lot out of very little. This lesson should also resonate with children in poor or less fortunate communities where they will scarcely find fortune to afford so many hi-tech materials.

Building Teamwork and Collaboration

 As in the case of individual learning, low-tech robotics projects also prove as effective for group and team learning as well. If two children decide to build a robot through teaming they have to share the ideas they have in their mind and how to divide the work in order for it to be done efficiently. This team work also helps in development of social skills such as talking, delegating, negotiating among others.

It is also effective in peer learning aspect since children can explain techniques to one another or solve problems that had been posed to them. This way they get to know the importance of sharing and how to solve problems in a team, as well as the process of appreciating another person’s views. These skills are very generalizable to many aspects of one’s life and are definitely imperative in the upcoming years in formal education and employment aspects.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

The most characteristic steps of constructing a low technology robot from scraps and wastes are an exercise of trial and error. Not all the designs will fit to the artifact the first time around and this becomes a good chance for children to embrace the idea of a growth mindset where one learns that to succeed, one has to fail severally.

When children redesign over and over to create their products, constantly reflecting upon what went wrong, they think of it not as failure but more of a stepping stone. This attitude is very important in learning right from six in one’s lifetime since it enables one to keep on trying without getting fatalities when facing some challenges or even when approaching a new task.

Conclusion

Constructing low technology and inexpensive robots from scrap that was provided presents an effective concept that covers the aspects of STEM, art, sustainability, and collaboration. This writing also shows how through coming up with this hand-on activity therefore, the children are not only learning scientific and engineering principles but at the same time solving problems and denying themselves certain pleasures. On top of that, they realize the importance of conservation and the use of available resources; thus, low-tech robotics may be considered a rather useful, comprehensive way of educating children for the future.