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06/12/2018 01:30 PMEast Haven elementary school students are about to get some hands-on experience with dots and dashes. No, they’re not getting a lesson in Morse Code; instead, through a donation by the East Haven Rotary Club, the students will work with Dash & Dot, learning how to program the two little ‘bots.
East Haven Rotary Club President Rich Anania and several Rotarians will presenting the club’s donation of 10 Learning Robots to Superintendent of Schools Erica Forti and the Board of Education on Thursday, June 19.
The Rotary Club has purchased 10 of these learning tools at the cost of $375 each and will be making this presentation to the Board of Education at their upcoming meeting. The robotics are expected to be used in the early elementary classes throughout the school system.
The donation marks a chance in technology, but not in support. For several years, the club donated dictionaries to the East Haven school system.
The robots are part of the Robotics Learning program created for kids aged six and older by Wonder Workshop, Inc. Dash responds to voice commands, navigates objects, and sings and dances. Dot has multiple sensors and is suited to several the do-it-yourself projects ranging from crafting and active play to storytelling and construction.
According to Wonder Workshop, “Dash and Dot robots bring the creativity and critical thinking of coding to life for kids within an engaging robotic wrapper. Working in tandem with a tablet or smart phone and a growing suite of free apps compatible with more than 20 iOS and Android devices, Dash and Dot make difficult computer science concepts as easy as finger painting. Kids can discover a world of learning and fun with the lovable robots that bring imaginations to life and encourage problem solving by exploring the possibilities programming creates.”
Since March 3, 1939, the Rotary Club of East Haven has been dedicated to improving its community. Through its annual scholarship and Student of the Month programs, the club recognizes and encourages achievement of high school students. Amber Alert Identification, Clothe the Children, and annual distribution of Thanksgiving dinners are just some of its other free services that are offered through the member’s volunteer activities.
The Rotary Club of East Haven meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Twin Pines Diner. For more information on the club and its programs, visit www.easthavenrotary.org.