'Bat Scram' Robotics Project: Engaging High Achieving Students and Solving Real World Problems
At Larrakeyah Primary School, we believe in providing unique learning opportunities to nurture and extend the abilities of our high achieving students. One such exciting project is the 'Bat Scram' Robotics Project for our Year 5 and 6 students.
Extending student learning
The 'Bat Scram' Robotics Project started with a mission to protect our school garden from birds using Ev3 Robotics scarecrows. After seeing the students' keen interest in the project, we initiated an accelerated learning program that focused on a larger problem: how to prevent bats from eating mangoes from our local mango farms.
“Accelerated learning programs are a part of our school’s Annual School Improvement Plan. The ‘Bat Scram’ Robotics Project catered for our high achieving student needs.”
Design thinking: Developing 21st century learning skills
Our students followed the design thinking model to develop a solution. They began by empathising with the problem, aided by a visit from NT Wildcare, which brought in a small bat to help students understand the issue better. This exercise helped them decide to create a non-harmful, safe method to deter bats from the mango trees.
Next, the students defined the problem, ideated solutions, and created prototypes of their robot. They will now collaborate to build a larger version of their robot powered by solar energy and batteries, incorporating coding and renewable energy sources. The goal is to use ultrasonic sound and lights to encourage bats to leave the mango farms without causing harm or environmental damage.
Throughout this project, our students have practised the 4Cs for 21st Century Learning: creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. They have engaged with industry experts and worked on solving real-world problems, becoming optimistic problem solvers and change-makers.
“...students benefit from learning how to use renewable technologies and energies.”
Personalising learning to improve student outcomes
This project aligns with our annual school improvement plan and demonstrates the importance of accelerated programs for high achieving students. In the future, we plan to create more programs that challenge and inspire our students to make a difference.
The 'Bat Scram' Robotics Project has not only equipped our students with valuable skills in renewable technologies and energies but also expanded their understanding of how robotics can contribute to solving environmental issues. We believe that experiences like these prepare our students to become responsible citizens and leaders.
At Larrakeyah Primary School, we are proud of our students' achievements and will continue to provide opportunities for them to excel in their learning and make a positive impact on the world around them.
