Excitement is in the air at Kildallan National School, as students from the 5th and 6th classes take their first steps into the world of robotics! Thanks to a collaborative initiative involving the Kildallan Broadband Connection Point (BCP), the community received its very own VEX IQ Competition Kit, sparking enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

The students recently participated in a hands-on workshop at Kildallan BCP, where they were introduced to robotics and programming fundamentals. Under the guidance of passionate educators and experts, the workshop set the stage for creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. 

Community Collaboration at Its Best 

This exciting development was made possible through the efforts of several dedicated individuals and organizations: 

• Principal Pearse Mc Kenna, whose leadership has been instrumental in championing STEM education at Kildallan. 

• David Hodge, VEX Development Coordinator at Munster Technological University, for sharing his expertise and igniting the students' curiosity. 

• Cavan County Council, for their unwavering support and guidance in making the initiative a reality. 

Getting Started with VEX IQ Robotics 

If you’re inspired by the journey of the Kildallan students and want to get involved, here are some helpful resources: 

1. Starting Guide: Everything you need to know to dive into VEX IQ robotics is available here.

2. Robot Build Instructions: Follow these detailed instructions to build your robot using the competition kit here. 

3. Programming the Robot: Learn to program your VEX IQ robot with the tools available here. 

4. VEXcode IQ App: For tablet users, the “VEXcode IQ” app is a fantastic resource for coding and controlling your robot. 

Empowering the Future 

This initiative represents a significant step forward in fostering digital literacy and STEM skills within the community. It not only equips students with technical knowledge but also nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration—essential skills for the innovators of tomorrow. 

STEAM education

We look forward to seeing Kildallan’s budding engineers and programmers compete, innovate, and excel in their VEX IQ journey. Stay tuned for updates on their progress and achievements! 

Let’s celebrate the power of technology and teamwork as Kildallan continues to inspire us all with their dedication to learning and innovation.