Special to the Times Vedette
The Panorama School District received two $400 grants from Panora Fiber and its technology partner, Aureon, in support of the school’s FIRST LEGO League robotics program. These grants will be used to help purchase iPads, empowering middle school students to excel in robotics, which further promotes Panorama’s efforts to facilitate STEM education.
The LEGO League team has been using borrowed iPads from the elementary school to build and program their robots. This short-term solution is challenging because the iPads are unavailable during certain parts of the school year when the elementary students need them for their classroom exercises. Additionally, the team’s alternative computer options are incompatible with the newest robotics software application.
The grant funding from Panora Fiber and Aureon, combined with additional fundraising efforts, will allow Panorama to purchase two to three iPads specifically dedicated to LEGO League. These iPads connect via Bluetooth with the appropriate robotics application, ensuring a smooth and efficient robotics experience for the team.
Panorama’s program, led by Mrs. Church for the past 10 years, has helped many students explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics. With an average of eight to 10 students per team and two teams participating each year, the Panorama LEGO League has directly impacted more than 160 students. Grant funding, and the support from local partners such as Panora Fiber, ensure that future Panorama students can continue to benefit from this innovative program and STEM education.