Students in Robertsville Middle School's science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program use newly purchased LEGO building block engineering kits to learn more about physics, mechanics, architecture, and programming.
Students in Robertsville Middle School's science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program use newly purchased LEGO building block engineering kits to learn more about physics, mechanics, architecture, and programming.

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – Oak Ridge contractor Isotek, which leads a high-priority project to process and dispose of the inventory of uranium-233 stored at the site, recently contributed $2,600 to Robertsville Middle School to purchase LEGO building block engineering kits for its science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program.

“We’re very thankful,” Randy Doss, STEM teacher at the local school, said about Isotek’s contribution. “These kits are a really good developmental tool and the students will get a lot of use out of them.”

The kits are designed to encourage critical thinking in areas like physics, mechanics, architecture, and programming. Fifth and sixth graders at the school use an interactive app with instructions on how to build with the set. The app then gives students a task as a challenge, and they must figure out how to modify the initial build and programming to complete the challenge.

“It’s awesome to see them make mistakes, go back and redo it, and figure it out,” Doss remarked. “These sets are a really great educational tool.”

With Isotek’s contribution, the school will be able to nearly double its current amount of engineering kits, giving students more hands-on opportunities with them.

“This is the first time some of the kids are getting the opportunity to do this kind of work,” Robertsville Vice Principal Christy Free said. “We have a lot of coding options, as well, as they progress.”

Teachers hope interest generated from the kits will lead to increased participation in the school’s after-school robotics program. Their plan seems to be working.

“The students are so excited,” according to Doss. “They are always asking to do the LEGO assignments.”

The kits are the latest in a series of STEM investments. Since 2014, Isotek has contributed approximately $40,000 to STEM programs at local schools. These investments are providing students engaging, hands-on experiences and awareness about the opportunities, challenges, and skills in these fields.

STEM goes far beyond the classroom for Isotek. Employees use many STEM-related disciplines as they work to eliminate legacy nuclear material stored at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and provide rare nuclear isotopes for next-generation cancer treatment research.