Pupils in schools across Midlothian have been battling it out in a special robotics competition.
Young people have been designing and programming robots using special kits to complete exploration challenges that teach coding, engineering, and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities.
Organisers of the VEX GO Celebration event, held at the National Mining Museum in Newtongrange, shared hopes that it will encourage more young people to pursue careers in STEM subjects.
They said hosting the competition at the mining centre helps “connect the past to the future” by celebrating how far engineering has come in Scotland’s history.
STV NewsThe museum’s education manager, Victoria Brown, said: “The Lady Victoria Colliery has been here since 1895. The lessons throughout its long history about engineering and energy changes in technology are so important.
“Today is about robotics, coding and engineering. These young people can see past stories in Scotland’s wealth of mining history and look to the future of energy and engineering.”
With the world of robotics becoming increasingly relevant, there’s also a drive to get more girls interested in STEM subjects.
The skills learned in preparation for today are something teachers say are invaluable.
STV NewsRosewell Primary principal teacher Hannah Clark said: “You’ve got your STEM skills in terms of coding, hand-eye coordination, and project planning. Then you’ve got your teamwork skills, listening to each other, and negotiating and working together.
“Tactical skills are also important, looking at what is the best way to get the most points. Asking, ‘is that necessary for my project?’ and working out what you’re going to use.”
The hope is that by taking part in activities like this, more young people will be encouraged to take on STEM subjects in higher education and even further into their careers.
National Robotarium engagement lead Blair Wilson said they hope to inspire the next generation of engineers.
He said: “The next three-to-five years there will be a huge explosion in robotics and STEM. These types of projects are hands on, year-long projects which help build lots of skills.
“The future is robotics and AI; the exact skillsets they are building today are what will be needed in future.”
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