At Primrose Schools®, we know robotics and STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, art and math) are fun ways to build far more than academic skills. They also help children practice social and emotional skills like problem solving and collaboration. That’s why we introduced the new Ready, Set, Robotics! unit and charity challenge at Primrose Schools Summer Adventure Clubs across the country.   

During this two-week summer challenge, elementary-aged students solved problems through coding, design thinking and engineering. They worked together to code the classroom robot—Dash—to help it navigate mazes and special missions. Then they brought those new robotics skills into a friendly competition where teams designed and engineered an original solution and created a video showcasing their project. More than 80 schools participated, and the schools of the three winning teams were given funds to donate to local charities of their choice.  

Meet our winning teams! 

Primrose School of Mill Creek – First Place 

Several of the children recently adopted pets, so they donated their prize of $2,500 to Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), an organization that helps with pet adoption, spaying, neutering, food donation and caring for wildlife.

Primrose School of Fleming Island – Second Place 

The runners-up chose to donate their prize of $1,500 to Safe Animal Shelter. Many of their families are involved with the organization and the children will be taking a field trip there soon! 

Primrose School of West Allen – Third Place 

This team chose to donate their prize of $1,000 to a charity very close to their hearts, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, as some of the school’s teachers and families are currently dealing with cancer. 

“At Primrose, we believe who children become is as important as what they know. Encouraging the winning teams to donate their earnings to local charities exemplifies the principles in our Balanced Learning approach for children to learn about the importance of giving without expectation,” said Jo Kirchner, CEO of Primrose Schools. “We are so proud of all the winners and participants for their creativity during this year’s robotics challenge!” 

To learn more about robotics at the Summer Adventure Club and how STEAM comes to life in the Primrose Schools Balanced Learning® approach, check out: 

•  Summer Adventure Club: Robotics Teaches Life Skills in a Fun Way – Primrose Schools
• Embracing STEAM at Primrose – Primrose Schools
• Summer Adventure Club