“Spring of last year, we set out to find products that would provide STEAM enrichment for our district Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP). We needed items that would not only be of interest for our students but our teachers. If we could excite our teachers with technology that would be easy to learn and implement, then our teachers would be more willing to teach it during summer school, holiday intersessions, and after school…

Students were very excited for their after school ELOP class. They were constantly asking their after school teacher when Marty was coming…teachers have provided career opportunity suggestions during class regarding the skills they are learning with Marty and students have expressed interest in pursuing those in the future.”

– Melissa Bradex, District Instructional Technology Specialist at Wasco Union Elementary School District

“Describe how the program will provide opportunities for students to experience active and engaged learning that either supports or supplements, but does not duplicate, the instructional day.”

At our school, we’ve integrated hands-on, project-based learning to foster active engagement and positive youth development. One of our exciting programs involves Marty the Robot, where students collaborate to explore real-world challenges and scenarios. Through these activities, students enhance critical thinking, teamwork, decision-making, and self-management skills, all of which are crucial for success in the 21st century.

In our Marty Curriculum, students embark on a journey over several weeks to build their knowledge and skills. Working in groups, they use Marty the Robot to tackle various coding challenges and tasks. They learn to program Marty to navigate obstacles, perform tasks, and solve problems, all while documenting their progress and problem-solving techniques.

Throughout the program, students actively engage with Marty, honing their coding abilities and collaborative skills. At the end of the program, they showcase their achievements, presenting their projects and sharing their experiences with their peers. This hands-on approach not only supplements their regular instruction but also provides a dynamic and interactive learning experience that prepares them for the demands of the future.

“Describe how the program will provide opportunities for students to experience skill building.”

Educational Enrichment:

At our Expanded Learning Program, we recognize the importance of providing diverse educational experiences to enhance student learning and skill development. Our Curriculum and Resource Library offers a wide range of enrichment activities, including the integration of Marty the Robot, to foster technology literacy among students. Before adopting any curriculum, we carefully assess its alignment with our core principles of promoting 21st-century skills, such as Life and Career Skills, Learning and Innovation Skills, and Information, Media, and Technology Skills.

Promoting Critical Thinking and Collaboration:

Our selection criteria prioritize curricula that promote critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity—skills essential for success in the digital age. Marty the Robot serves as a valuable tool for cultivating these skills through hands-on, interactive learning experiences. Students are encouraged to work together to program Marty, solve challenges, and explore real-world applications of technology, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Tailored Learning Experiences:

Recognizing the diverse needs and skill levels of our students, we ensure that the Marty the Robot curriculum is accessible and engaging for learners of all ages and abilities. Whether introducing basic coding concepts to beginners or delving into more advanced programming techniques, Marty offers a flexible platform for personalized learning experiences. By tailoring the curriculum to meet the unique needs of each student, we strive to create an inclusive learning environment where every individual can thrive.