Focus Systems Corporation supports Bilateral Learning of University and High School Students through a Robotics Workshop

In 2023, Focus Systems Corporation partnered with Leave a Nest to conduct 2 robotics workshops in Marian School of Quezon City and PAREF Woodrose School in the Philippines (see previous news release). These workshops were created to encourage students to be the next innovators by introducing robotics, instilling the crucial mindset for scientific research and engineering, and sharing how technology can empower people. The workshops utilized robotics kits from GaraSTEM, a Vietnamese startup that has been supported by both Focus Systems and Leave a Nest Group in the past few years since they won the deep-tech acceleration program in Vietnam established by Leave a Nest and received succeeding investments from the Group. 

Aside from supporting students from elementary to high school, Focus Systems also wanted to train and make strong connections with university students and graduates in the Philippines that they can work with in the future. Leveraging Leave a Nest Philippines’ knowledge manufacturing platform and extensive school networks here in the country, this led to the creation of the Focus Systems Immersion Program for Filipino undergraduate students in 2024. Several applicants coming from Metro Manila and nearby Region IV-A were narrowed down to a lean team of graduating students to participate in the 8-month immersion to Focus Systems’ activities with Leave a Nest Philippines.

The Immersion Program and robotics workshops intersected on October 12, 2024 at Learn and Explore Montessori School through the implementation of the 3rd robotics workshop partnered with Focus Systems. This workshop was entitled “Robo-Quest: Where Robotics, Exploring and Science Adventure Meets!” and it utilized GaraSTEM robotics kits for learning basic robotic and programming concepts by 20 students from Grade 7 and 8. The Immersion Participants served as Teaching Assistants during the workshop as a form of training on how to communicate science and technology while also learning to broaden their horizons as they interact with children.

The program started with a short icebreaker activity and introductions by Engr. Ronezza Delos Santos as the project leader. Next, Mr. Ryo Inori introduced Focus Systems and himself as a “friend” for researchers who are continuously seeking collaborators. Participating as the workshop’s teaching assistants, each Immersion participant introduced themselves, explained their academic and personal background and pastime to build rapport with the students.Last in the introductions is Mr. Bryan Foronda who served as the “Captain” of the workshop that led the students in their exploration.

Introduction by Mr. Ryo Inori of Focus Systems

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Introductions of Focus Systems Immersion Program Participants: (1) James Daryl Alcaraz, (2) Fiona Marie Isidoro, (3) Precious Donita Roallos, (4) Joshua Joy Crucis

The workshop first started with the assembly of the robots, wherein the students and Teaching Assistants overcame some challenges in assembling the robots and learned the importance of preparation before doing an exploration. Some students took their robots to the next level by including additional parts based on their own creativity.

Students creatively assembling their robots with their Teaching Assistant

The second part of the workshop was controlling the robots through a map to reach the goal of their exploration that they set themselves. This helped them understand the route for their robot to take and they used the information they gathered in this part for the next phase of the workshop.

Students controlling their robots to navigate the maze

The last phase of the workshop was robot programming, where the students had to program their robots so they could reach the goal from the starting point. They were guided by the Immersion Participants on how to do the drag-and-drop programming and did several trials until some of them were able to reach their goals. Although not all student teams were able to reach the goal on time, they were able to discover the factors that may have affected their robot’s route. This helped them understand why their robot may not have moved according to their plan, which is also an important mindset in science exploration and research – not just focusing on getting the “right” results, but figuring out the “whys”.

Students figuring out how to program their robot through the maze

At the end of the program, the students were awarded with stickers as a “Master Science Adventurer,” as they learned how to prepare, find their way and understand the “whys” of adventure and exploration. The workshop helped them gain more interest in science exploration, and the organizing team is hoping they can apply their workshop learnings when they go on their own adventures as they pursue their interests in engineering, computer science, astronomy, chemistry and biology.

The Immersion Participants, on the other hand, had their own learning experiences – they learned to communicate more, ask questions and collaborate. In addition, their passion for robotics and related fields were reignited despite the simplicity of the activities compared to what they’re usually conducting in their university. This gave them new perspectives as they also tried different approaches to help and guide the students, which became good training for communication and problem solving.

Moving forward, Focus Systems is finding new ways to support the education system in the Philippines with like-minded students and future partners. Leave a Nest is also planning to continue conducting robotics and other science-based workshops like these not just to help students gain more interest in science, but also to serve as training grounds for human resources (university students and even company employees) to communicate and reignite their passion for their fields. 

If you would like to join similar initiatives, partner with the team to create a specific workshop, or other programs that are related to your company’s goals using Leave a Nest’s extensive network of schools, universities, technology startups, and communities through its knowledge manufacturing platform, please feel free to contact Leave a Nest Philippines by emailing  [email protected] with attention to: Mr. Alexander Gali or Engr. Ronezza Delos Santos. 

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Workshop Overview

Date & Time: October 12, 2024 (Sat) at 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Place: Learn and Explore Montessori School
Theme: Robo-Quest: Where Robotics, Exploring and Science Adventure Meets!
Participants: Grades 7-8 students

Activities:
– Robot Assembly
– Robot Controlling
– Robot Programming