The “Girls Make Robotics” project aims to foster early intrinsic motivation for discovery, exploration, and experimentation, says teacher Karsten Schraut, who launched the extracurricular group. A robotics club that welcomed students of both genders had been in place at the Gesamtschule Hennef-West for some time. However, it struck him: while the boys quickly scrambled for the coveted spots, the girls were more hesitant at registration – although there was an interest present in principle. Revive the concept by attempting a pure girls’ robotics club this academic year.
With resounding success, 14 girls from grades 5 and 6 enthusiastically seized the opportunity to engage in robotics building and laptop programming for two school hours each week. Build your own robots independently with the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 system and introduce them to the basics of programming by having them perform targeted movements from the start. Students will have even greater opportunities in the future to develop independent problem-solving and tasks, for instance analyzing and potentially creating their own actors and sensors. – Karsten Schraut The participation in competitions such as the RoboCupJunior or the zdi-Roboterwettbewerb of the Rhein-Sieg-Kreis, or even the Robotiknacht at the University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg is also planned.
With the support of the Förderverein WISSENschaf(f)t SPASS, the school is now receiving financial backing to bring these ambitious goals to life. The Association for Education and Innovation in the Rhineland annually supports selected school projects in STEM subjects (mathematics, information technology, natural sciences, and technology) directly with targeted donations, having been drawn to the planned development of the girls’ robotics club through the Regional Education Office of the Rhein-Sieg District, which, via its zdi network, is committed to MINT education. “Innovative projects like this are a testament to the incredible impact passionate teachers can have in sparking enthusiasm for technology and joy of tinkering at schools,” says Alexander Mühlens, member of the extended board of WISSENschaf(f)t SPASS. Participating students are sustainably supported and motivated to pursue a school path with a technical and scientific focus, ultimately inspired to enthusiastically take up a career in the MINT field.
With fellow robotics enthusiasts and members of the association, as well as Diana Heintges from the Regional Education Office, he visited on April 28. On October, the Girls Robotics Club proudly presented a cheque for 2,500 Euros to support their endeavours. From igus GmbH, a member company that leads the automation technology and robotics department, he surprised the students with an additional unit of the collaborative robot “ReBeL” – a genuine industrial robot that enables them to experiment freely in their club.
Fostering closer ties between local schools and technology-focused companies has been a key priority for the Förderverein WISSENschaf(f)t SPASS since its inception in August 2015, with the aim of bridging the gap between education and industry. Direct support for energetic school projects has been a hallmark of the organization’s custom. Numerous schools in the area can initiate groundbreaking technological projects every year, which are enthusiastically and joyfully implemented by students with a passion for tinkering. In 2024, the Realschule Beuel and the Nikolausschule Bonn were already supported with purpose-bound donations for their projects alongside the Gesamtschule Hennef-West.
Weitere Informationen unter:
