Student Creativity Encouraged in S.T.E.M. Classes

  • By: Karen Skubik
  • November 11, 2013
  • 399
                        
Freedom to question, create, fail, and try again is the modus operandi in Derek Bode’s hands-on classes and clubs at Wooster High School. At a recent Robotics Club meeting, Nathan Yost and Cody Miller were found tinkering in Bode’s shop-type classroom which houses courses in Computer Aided Design, Computer Applications, Foundations of Technology, Graphics, and Principles of Technology. Yost, who is considering a career in electrical engineering, said he enjoys the club because, “We can be so creative with everything. We can try anything.” Even though Miller is planning on studying history in college, he said, “robotics is something I always wanted to learn about” and Miller would like to pursue it as a hobby. One of the attractions for students joining the newly formed Robotics Club is a non-human member called RoboStu, an award winning creation of the inaugural Principles of Technology II class this past spring semester. Bode, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M) teacher joined the Wooster faculty six years ago and explained in a press release, “The whole idea behind the (RoboStu) project was that a student unable to attend school for an extended period of time could actually maneuver RoboStu through the hallways to classrooms from the convenience of their computer at home.” RoboStu quickly garnered numerous awards including the award of merit, a first place in robots and a runner-up in best overall display from the Ohio Technology Education Association as well as being named runner-up best of show in senior high engineering at the Ohio State Fair and a People’s Choice award from the State Fair Board. A Wadsworth native, Bode completed his Technology Education Degree at Kent State University. He explained that RoboStu is currently inactive while the Robotics Club has “begun changing over some of his circuitry to include more custom connection terminals as well as replacing some faulty equipment.” Before being temporarily decommissioned, RoboStu was “used to pull our club Homecoming float” noted Bode and future plans for the technology class’s remote controlled creation include Skyping between teachers and students off site with its tablet face and fitting “him” with a printer/scanner to further enhance communication. The addition of Wi-Fi control will also extend RoboStu’s range throughout the building. With an increase in interest in STEM curriculum, Bode purchased both beginner and advanced robot kits for his classes, but other useful items have been donated including old wheel chairs from Wayne Health that can provide the base for future robots. In addition, Robotics Club member Yost explained, “Everything gets reused. Once we’re done with something we use the parts for something else.” Also serving as advisor to the Eclub (Entrepreneur’s Club) at the high school, Bode shared, “we have five companies in one class”. Check out woosterINK.com to see the graphic design and print company for yet another example of Derek Bode helping students learn what is possible through a S.T.E.M. curriculum.


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