The future of engineering arrived at Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School as 6th grade science students launched into an exciting hands-on robotics experience inspired by the world of Amazon technology and innovation.
Students first participated in the Amazon Careers Tour, where they explored how robotics, automation, coding, and engineering are transforming modern fulfillment centers. During the virtual experience, students discovered how engineers and problem-solvers work together behind the scenes at Amazon to design robots, organize massive warehouses, and create technology that helps deliver millions of packages around the world.
The experience didn’t stop there. After learning about real-world STEM careers and future engineering opportunities, students returned to the classroom ready to become engineers themselves using LEGO Education SPIKE Prime Set robotics kits.
Working in teams, students built fully drivable robots from scratch before learning the basics of coding and computer programming. Once their robots were complete, students programmed them to drive, turn, maneuver around obstacles, and complete exciting challenge courses throughout the classroom.
The room quickly transformed into a mini engineering lab as students tested designs, solved coding problems, adjusted programs, and celebrated successful runs through the obstacle courses. Students learned firsthand that engineering is all about creativity, teamwork, persistence, and problem-solving. The lesson connected science, technology, engineering, and coding in a way that allowed students to see themselves as the next generation of innovators and future engineers.
One thing became clear during the activity — the engineers of tomorrow are already hard at work at OLHMS.
