Meet the Roberto Clemente Middle School robotics club in Hunting Park

At Roberto Clemente Middle School in Hunting Park, 4 p.m. may be after school, but for the student members of the robotics club, it is the beginning of learning new and exciting technology.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, 5th through 8th graders meet to discuss and create different robotics projects. The club, led by teacher Evelyn Cruz, allows students to play hands on with robotics kits and structures to produce everything from autonomous path-finding robots to remote controlled underwater explorers.

“It opens a lot of doors for them in terms of science and technology,” Cruz said. “It pushes them to be more open to doing the math and doing the science.”

Students first enjoy a snack time, where they can brainstorm in small groups about how to carry out their next project. Their latest project includes a windmill built from Legos programmed with a Mindstorm controller. Later, they assemble into teams where they use tools, such as internet and Lego guides, to build advanced robots.

Roberto Clemente Middle School robotics club also participates in competitive leagues. Every fall, the team competes in the Boosting Engineering Science and Technology, or BEST, competition. In the winter, the group participates in First Lego League competitions. This past January, they advanced to FLL Championships at the University of Pennsylvania, as Technically Philly reported.

In the spring, the club takes part in Marine Advanced Technology Education, or MATE contests. Roberto Clemente has won various awards in all three competitions.

“When the kids are competing, there is no booing. There’s patting on the back and supporting.” Cruz said.

The report is done in partnership with Temple University’s Philadelphia Neighborhoods program, the capstone class for the Temple’s Department of Journalism.