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A stack of six, multi-colored blocks rolls across the table, eventually toppling over, eliciting a laugh from the Terrebonne Parish Main Library staff.
The blocks, known as Cubelets, are the latest component of the library’s robotics program. It’s one more tool in the arsenal intended to teach young learners the basics of science and math.
MoboRobo: Robots on the Go! – funded with a $18,143 Sparks! Ignition Grant for Libraries – deploys, tests and evaluates cutting-edge tools that spur learning. The highly-sophisticated cubes Mary Cosper LeBouef, the director of the library system, and her staff are handling do everything from light up to follow hand motions – depending on the operator’s programming.
The extra funding will enable the library to expand its robotics program.
“We kind of said a few prayers and crossed our fingers,” Cosper LeBouef said, recalling the competitive application process. Library systems and museums from across the U.S. were vying for grants. “It was a wonderful delight. There was a lot of yelling and dancing when we got the grant.”
Library cardholders can soon check out MoboRobo robotic cube kits – much like they would a book – for a week. The kits include seven interworking cubes, one of which runs on Bluetooth, that control, move and sense motion or light.
The Bluetooth cube allows users to download apps, allowing users to communicate with the robot, Naomi Magola, youth services manager, said. “These apps can do fun things, like draw something and the Cubelet will act it out.”
But Internet isn’t a requirement to use the kits.
“You don’t need any mobile devices; you don’t need Internet to use these,” Magola said. “You just need to have battery charge …”
The library will also offer MoboRobo Labs, which include enough kits to accommodate up to 30 children. Cosper LeBouef said one kit will remain at the Main Library branch. Plans are in the works to circulate one lab to each of the library system’s nine branches.
The kits are expected to be available later this month, after the protective cases arrive.
Because kits are so expensive – approximately $160 each – the labs afford after-school programs, church groups and similar student-focused programs access to robotics.
“This gives them a great way to have this kind of STEM-based learning in their classroom or with their group without having to make the investment or try to find access to computers or the Internet,” Cosper LeBouef noted.
Nathan Cotten, the school district’s STEM curriculum specialist, is a strong proponent of MoboRobo because of its hands-on aspect.
“Any time educators can engage students where they take control of their learning, the better,” he said. “Robots are fun. When teachers can make learning fun, students are more likely to recall those experiences.”
The program also encourages students to be innovative thinkers and problem solvers, Cotten noted.
“The skills these students learn while building, programming and operating the robots are essential in the 21st century.”
The library will offer training seminars today, Jan. 20, and Sunday, Jan. 24, to teachers and group leaders interested in learning robotics in advance of checking out the kits. About six public school teachers are currently signed up for the 1-hour sessions.
“Education is changing,” Cosper LeBouef said. “It’s a lot of hands-on. It’s fun and [students] don’t realize they’re learning when it’s fun.”
The kits allow instructors to suggest a task – make the robot go in circles, for instance.
“Well, the kids have to figure out how to do this,” the library director said. “It is a lot of science and math skills that they don’t realize. They’re using communication skills and they’re learning how to work with each other.” •
This STEM-based learning product will soon be available for check-out thanks to a Sparks! Ignition Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
