Soraya Zamora

Zamora’s innovative teaching idea, “Robotics Bee Keeping,” is a sixth through eighth grade, 21st century, year-long curriculum using Common Core, NETS (technology) and STEM (science) standards in concrete engineering, robotic and agricultural lessons. The goal of the program is to cultivate student stewardship of the Earth’s life cycle. According to Zamora, human survival or "mass extinction" ironically depends on the smallest of creatures — the simple honey bee and its fertilizing. Students will learn the concepts of teamwork, brainstorming, problem solving, designing, robotics programing and engineering. To benefit Chicago's urban gardener, students will present to their families their final 3D printer-designed, small-scale backyard beehives that have harvestable honey. As a bonus, their project website will be offered as a resource to other schools and to the community.