Wendy Jacobs

Jacobs’ innovative teaching idea, “Rambunctious Robots,” is focused on promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning in an exciting, hands-on way — by designing, programming and building robots in the classroom. As part of the curriculum, students will be grouped together in teams to program and build the robots. They also will plan a mock competition for younger students and share their knowledge about robots and the importance of this technology in our society. Jacobs says many students do not play sports or an instrument, which she believes can limit their involvement in fun and safe after school activities. A program such as this one allows many students the opportunity to be involved in something that they might not have the opportunity to take part in otherwise. Students are exposed to non-traditional educational skills, such as welding, masonry, robotics, fire safety and automotive technology, to name a few.