Year 11 Computer Science students were privileged to be visited by BAE Systems engineers delivering a STEM session on robotics. The three hour session began with an overview of what BAE Systems do as a company and what it is like to be an engineer working for them. Students had the opportunity to ask a few questions and gain real insight into the daily work that the visiting professionals undertake.

This led students into the first task of the day where they were introduced to ‘Sphero’ – a robotic ball that is controlled by an app. Students’ were immediately engaged in the task of understanding the robots capabilities within the context of exploring and mapping a disaster zone where humans cannot enter.

There was a great deal of fun had at this point and students could have easily spent hours making the robots cruise around the hall. However, they were redirected to the next task which was using drag and drop coding to navigate a course through chair legs. This proved quite the challenge for students. They were required to use knowledge of kinematics to solve this part of the problem. Most students were able to complete the course within the allotted time using ‘scientific method’, and test/re-test principles.

After a well deserved break, students were greeted back into the main hall and presented immediately with a ‘race course’ type challenge in front of them. They were required to visualise the course, take measurements, calculate angles, velocity and finally write the code to ensure the robot navigated the course correctly.

This was quite a difficult challenge, stretching the students’ capabilities. Nevertheless, they showed their mettle and were totally engaged in trying to succeed.

After a period of preparation the time had come for students to race the robots. We were graced with dimmed lighting, disco effects and appropriate music to set the atmosphere courtesy of our very own Archie in Year 11. With that, the race was on and the crowd went wild!

All of our students had a fantastic time learning how to code these robots and putting into practice skills they have learned in maths and physics. It was a truly inspirational experience for them and one we hope to emulate in the future by forging a secure collaboration with BAE Systems.

A massive thank you to Dan, Gary & Rhea from BAE Systems for providing our students with such a fabulous experience, we look forward to your next visit and are excited for the future opportunities.