Ozobots will be coming to Tsawwassen.
The Fraser Valley Regional Library will launch Tech-Up with Ozobots at seven branches throughout the region, including the Tsawwassen Library. Aimed at children in grades 4 to 6, the program offers a fun introduction to coding and digital exploration.
Participants will use logic and creativity to program the Ozobot Bit, a pocket-size robot that can move, change its speed and direction, and display coloured LED lights. Children can control the Bit’s movements by drawing coloured lines on paper using markers. Once they learn the basics, they can use tablets and drag-and-drop coding to program the robots through a series of challenges.
FVRL’s Ozobots program grew out of a partnership with Science World British Columbia. The regional library system received a donation of 18 Ozobot Bits as a result of Science World’s Tech-Up program. This initiative promotes coding and computation thinking instruction in schools and libraries throughout B.C.
FVRL supplemented the donation by purchasing 10 more Ozobots, along with tablets and learning resources. Ozobots are a welcome addition to The Playground at FVRL, which supports STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) in FVRL libraries.
“FVRL has a strong partnership with Science World British Columbia. We’ve worked together on many library programs over the years, and we’re always looking for new opportunities to bring Science World to the Valley,” said Heather Scoular, FVRL’s director of customer experience.
In addition to the donation of Ozobots, Science World has provided expertise and training to library staff.
Ozobots are the latest addition to the FVRL Playground, a collection of non-tradition library offerings that foster STEAM learning. The Playground began in 2016 when FVRL received a donation of ukuleles from a local arts group. Since then, the Playground has grown to include programmable robots, telescopes, green screens, circuit boards and virtual reality experiences.
Tech-Up with Ozobots will be at the Tsawwassen Library on Friday, March 22 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. To register call 604-943-2271.
