Goessel Wins $3K Grant from Westar Energy for Robotics Program
GHS science teacher Donna O'Neill applied last spring to Westar Energy's STEM Grant, which provides financial assistance to projects involving electricity or energy generation. Out of roughly 30 applications, Goessel was selected to win the largest award amount, which was formally presented to her this week. The $3,000 grant will be used to develop and implement an innovative robotics program.
Her grant proposal, "Photovores - Light-Eating Robots" laid out a project for the high school physics and physical science classes. Students will construct solar-powered robots using the BEAM (Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, and Mechanics) philosophy of robotics. Her students will hand-construct analog circuits that produce a variety of life-like behaviors, such as the detection of light and motion.
In addition, the physics students will also learn basic programming, using Arduino micro-controllers to create robots with more complex behaviors. All students will develop important electrical skills such as reading circuit schematics and simple soldering.
With the funding provided by Westar, Mrs. O'Neill will be able to implement this robotics program this year and for many years to come! She's very excited about the new opportunities that have opened up for her students.