Robotics make maths and science come alive

While building a robot during his co-curricular activity, Isaiah Pang, 15, used physics to calculate the force needed to lift it. Combining robotics with textbook formulas is fun, said the Hai Sing Catholic School Secondary 3 student. "It is a different way to approach the subject. In class, it is theory and calculation. In robotics, it is hands-on. I can see the formulas at work."

More students will learn maths and science this way, as the school will start an applied learning programme in robotics next year. Its Sec 2 students will have a weekly 40-minute robotics class on top of their regular curriculum.

During this time, they will learn programming skills, and test maths and science concepts.

The programme will be rolled out to all levels within three years. The use of robotics in the school is not new. Earlier this year, Sec 2 students came up with ideas for environmental solutions involving robotics. Design and technology classes have also incorporated elements of robotics, and in other classes, students learn basic programming skills.

Hai Sing principal Judina Cheong said robotics helps students to be problem-solvers and inventive thinkers, as they have to deliver practical solutions. While the students may encounter failures when developing prototypes, they learn values such as perseverance, risk-taking and honesty when they fail, she said.

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