Success StoryMcferran Preparatory Academy



Mcferran Preparatory Academy

Author: Louis Milligan

Planning Unit: KSU Administration

Major Program: Science, Engineering and Technology 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work

Outcome: Initial Outcome

A Family Youth Resource Center Coordinator at Mcferran Preparatory Academy contacted Agent and requested information about possible Robotics program being offered to students at her school. Historically youth especially minority male and females students are represented in STEM fields and often do not have access to STEM relates programs and activities. Establishing a Robotics program would inspire youth participation in science and technology and to get exposure to the field while also discovering their passion for STEM-based careers.  On November 11, 2017 the  Kentucky State University 4-H Youth Development Agent met with school staff to discuss Kentucky State University 4-H Robotics Program EV3 Robots. The agent met with Technology Instructor at the the discuss program and plan Robotics program. On December 11, 2017 another meeting was held with agent and school staff to finalize plans for robotics programming at Mcferran Prepatory Academy. Through the Robotics Program is to introduce students to basic programming as well as problem solving strategies. The program will involve students in the development, building and programming of a LEGO Mindstorm robot. Students will work hands on in teams to design, build, program. Topics may include motor control, gear rations, torque friction, timing and decision making. Student design robots will be programmed to compete in various courses. On January 10th, 2018 The Robotics met for its first Robotics Program. The Robotics program was the first of its kind to be offered in the School 12 Students participated in the program and met weekly from 4-5:30, students learned how to build and program the robots in preparation for student competition.  On February 13, 2018 the robotics team competed in their fist scrimmage at Jaeger Education Center in Louisville, Ky. Agent accompanied students and staff to event and assisted with coordination and assistance to students during scrimmage. The students competed and did very well in scrimmage in preparation for main event. On February 17, 2018 the students participated in the  Robotics Tournament at Marion C. Moore High School Louisville, KY. There were  67 local schools that participated in the tournament. The Mcferran Falcons placed 36th out of 67 teams!! This was the students first time participating in  a Robotics competition as a team and School. An evaluation was conducted at the conclusion of competition and student data suggested that students were overall happy with the Robotics Program and that they learned how to design robots, how to use Robotics software, gears and  sensors, and were able to successfully design develop, and complete robotics activities and challenges. Agent will continue to offer robotics programming in Mcferran Preparatory and assist with future Stem related activities and competitions.

 On Thursday February 28th, 2019 The Robotics Club at Mcferran begin its 2018-19 Vex Robotics Competition Season. The students reviewed the new video and begin building the add-on for the Vex Robotics Competition. The students worked on coding, programming, and practicing for upcoming competition over a 4 week period practicing on the skills needed to be completed in competition. The students participated in the Vex Robotics Jefferson Co. Schools competition on March 23, 2019. The students competed agains over 60 teams from Kentucky and Indiana. The students competed and a result of their hard work they placed 26th out of over 60 teams a 13 place jump from the previous season. The highest team score was 16!! Mcferran Scored a total of 126 points!!





  






Stories by Louis Milligan


Nutrition: Eating and Staying Healthy!!

about 4 years ago by Louis Milligan

The 2nd Grade Team at Rangeland Elementary contacted Me about programming opportunities available th... Read More


Seneca High School Gardening and Ag Literacy Basics

about 4 years ago by Louis Milligan

The Kentucky State University 4-H Youth Development program is committed to meeting the needs of div... Read More


Stories by KSU Administration


Developing Skills, Producing Food, and a Healthy Mindset

Developing Skills, Producing Food, and a Healthy Mindset

about 4 years ago by Jessica Reed

According to samhsa.gov, The 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data showed that ne... Read More


Suitcases for Kids

Suitcases for Kids

about 4 years ago by Kathleen "Happy" Raffaele

Suitcases for KidsAccording to the US Department of Health and Human Resourc... Read More