Students gathered in the gym of Pearl Watson to view four presentations featuring robots powered with RoboBlocky, an integrated learning environmental for fostering STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) education.

The students’ robots and presentations were all different. One fifth-grade student, Kingsley Stevens, programmed his robot to draw four concentric circles. Another, Jacadien Hicks, operated a dog made out of robots and blocks with another robot remotely.

Other presentations included a robot that operated like a dump truck, and four robots that rolled around and did a coordinated dance.

It took three to four weeks for the students to conceptualize, build and code their robots.

The robots that were used during the showcase were bought with a $15,000 grant given to the school by Phillips 66, the school’s partner in education.

Megan Hartman, Gulf coast field communications manager for Phillips 66, said the school reached out to Phillips 66 to request aid in extending the robotics program to more students. She explained this is something Phillips 66 was excited to provide.

Scot Tyler, general manager of Phillips 66 Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex, said the showcase was a “very proud moment” for them.

At the core of Phillips 66 is a mission to “invest in education equity with a focus on STEM.” For the modern student, access to robotics programs is vital. Students that participate in these programs develop strong problem solving skills, critical thinking and a love for learning.

He said these skills are “massively important” for the future of the students.

Hartman said providing robotics and STEAM resources will bolster the future workforce.

“We know that this is going to help develop the workforce of the future. If we can get them excited about these STEM programs right now, then they’re always going to be learners, forever.”

Arts education is also supported through the school’s robotics program. She explained that the students are given the freedom to brainstorm their own concepts for robots, and accompanying programs.

“You just think about the possibilities in the world that this will be used for. It’s really the sky’s the limit with creativity as they code these robots and come up with different games, activities and programs.”

Calcasieu Parish School Board Superintendent Shannon LaFargue said that these are all skill sets that students can “carry with them for the rest of their educational journey.”

He encouraged all the students at the showcase to participate in the robotics club and continue developing their skills.

“This is the future and you will be working in our workforce in Southwest Louisiana, and you will be able to remember this time and the skills that you learned by your great teachers, and the opportunities that you had.”