Having in mind that IEC Tehnopolis, following its mission, is dedicated to education and innovation, we implemented the “Tech playground for children” project, which brought together young innovators aged 4 to 15 to acquire basic knowledge of programming, robotics and 3D printing. This innovative initiative aimed to develop key STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) skills among children, offering them a creative and interactive approach to learning.
Through interactive sessions with various robots from the LEGO Mindstorms set, children not only had the opportunity to create but also to program. The focus was particularly on engaging the youngest participants, as the robotics course for preschoolers is carefully crafted to transform children into active creators, not mere users of digital technologies. By involving them in playful robot-building activities, the little ones fostered creativity, organizational skills, patience, and problem-solving abilities.
Children over the age of 7 had the opportunity to learn about coding and robotics through LEGO Boost robots. Through the precise construction of a robot of over 800 parts, the children developed motor skills, while through coding through the Boost application, they acquired the basics of programming in a simple way.
The oldest participants, aged over 10, had the opportunity to learn through the LEGO Mindstorms programming course. They were introduced to advanced elements such as servo motors and various sensors, using the EV3 Intelligent Brick as the brain of their robot. These experiences not only contributed to the development of skills in the field of technology, but also encouraged critical thinking, problem solving, and understanding of engineering fundamentals.
In addition, IEC Tehnopolis organized trainings on 3D modeling and printing using the didactic game “Kideville”. Through the game, the children created their own virtual cities individually and as a team, and thus learned about spatial geometry, scale, proportions, as well as the basics of design and engineering.
The ‘Tech Playground for Children’ project, executed in 2020, comprised four distinct training sessions engaging over 50 participants. Subsequently, these sessions seamlessly transitioned into an integral component of the IEC Tehnopolis Education Program. These initiatives wield a substantial influence on children, fostering the development of their technical skills and cultivating attributes such as creativity, critical thinking, cooperation, and communication. At IEC Tehnopolis, we firmly believe that investing in education and technology for children lays the groundwork for future leadership and innovation. This approach contributes to shaping a society well-prepared to confront the challenges of the future.
For more information, see: “Tech playground for children” – New knowledge for new generations
