Midland ISD expanding robotics programs to serve all students

Midland ISD announced it is expanding its robotics program to serve every school and grade in the district.

The announcement fufills MISD’s stated vision to implement a robotics program serving PK-12 students encompassing a FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge. The programs will cultivate students’ development in the ever-burgeoning fields of robotics, engineering and technology.

Other key objectives in the initiative include consistent teacher training to effectively guide students in state-of-the-art robotics; enhancing students’ robotics, teamwork and problem-solving skills to empower them amid an increasingly tech-driven world; and developing a culture of lifelong learning, innovation and leadership through robotics education, according to the district.

The robotics program expansion will see the creation of teams for students as young as fifth grade this year, and as young as first grade next year, according to the MISD. The district also relayed that FIRST LEGO Leagues—which use LEGOs to teach robotics and STEM concepts to students of all ages—were formed and competitions have kicked off.

The next steps? MISD will recruit teachers to lead districtwide robotics programs and training with age-appropriate curriculum. Meanwhile, school campuses are identifying spaces to serve as labs for hands-on robotics experiences.

The expansion throughout the MISD is possible thanks to a donation from Pioneer Natural Resources.

“The expansion of our already stellar robotics programs will pave the way for even more opportunities and achievement for our students,” said MISD CTE Director Jeff Horner. He added that robotics education promotes innovation at all levels, propelling the district’s students toward a successful future.