Distilling what sports have done right into a recipe for engaging young people has been the perfect balance for Green Park’s success in Robotics and FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League. It introduces a scientific and real-world challenge for teams to focus and research. The after school program makes it aspirational, not required. Students compete receiving trophies rather than tests and grades. The team approach is designed to be a nonjudgmental space with a purposeful mission to promote the field of engineering.
Fourth through eighth-grade students at Green Park are invited to be part of the Vi-Borgs team led by Middle School Science Teacher, Mrs. Ann Ryherd. The team competes throughout year including a trip to Mizzou’s School of Engineering.
Applying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) concepts with a large dose of imagination to solve a problem develops fun in after school learning. Along the discovery journey, students develop critical thinking and team building skills, basic STEM applications, and presentation skills. Because learning doesn’t stop at 3:15.