Introducing Robotics in the Philippines
Teaching robotics in rural communities presents significant challenges for educators due to lack of training and resources. Yet, when the curriculum mandates it, teachers must rise to the occasion. Recognizing this need, Pueblo engineers and scientists developed an affordable and easy to use Arduino-based kit to introduce teachers and students in the Philippines to robotics. Pueblo volunteers then delivered two-day trainings in two-locations in the Philippines from May 11-19, 2024.
The workshops began with a hands-on introduction to programming activities, laying a solid foundation for the participants. This was followed by five different activities designed to introduce them to electronics and mechanical design while providing more programming practice. Participants explored multiple sensors, including vibration, pulse oximeters, conductivity meters, temperature sensors, and ultrasonic sensors, and learned to assemble circuits.
To make the learning process more engaging and relevant, curriculum and community-specific applications of these sensors were presented in a gamified manner. For instance, the vibration sensor was used to simulate earthquake detection. Participants then designed community buildings to withstand intense shaking. Pulse oximeters were employed to detect pulses at rest and after exercise, followed by discussions on heart health and monitoring. Temperature sensors were used to observe changes in acid-base reactions. The conductivity meter helped detect soil moisture content, coupled with a discussion on remote sensing. Ultrasonic sensors were used in smart cars to detect obstacles, making the sensor applications particularly exciting with a race to finish a course.
Both students and teachers gained substantial knowledge from the workshop and thoroughly enjoyed it, as evidenced by the loud cheering and laughter during the games and competitions. For many, it was their first experience assembling and programming a robot, leaving them feeling empowered and inspired.
“This program is super helpful for students, especially those who need it for science and research-related subjects. I hope to attend another of this kind of training next year.” - A. Gaite