Al-Mayar International Schools recently concluded an innovative Winter Robotics Club that combined STEM education with Critical Thinking skills development. Held during the holiday break, the program brought 4th and 5th rade students closer to the principles of Critical Thinking using customized sumo robots.
The Winter Robotics Club, designed and implemented by Thinking Oasis, provided a unique learning experience for young students. Unlike programs that focus mostly on technical skills, this club emphasized the development of Critical Thinking through hands-on challenges.
Participants built and customized their own sumo robots, competing in playful yet intellectually stimulating matches. The tasks were meticulously planned to provoke thought, encourage questioning, and enhance problem-solving abilities, aligning with the Socratic method of learning.
“Our goal was to create an engaging environment where students not only learned about robotics but also honed their Critical Thinking skills,”
said Layan Al-Kilani, a trainer at Thinking Oasis.
“By the end of the program, students were not just assembling robots; they were experimenting, hypothesizing, and learning through trial and error.”
One of the key highlights of the program was the use of a specially designed robotics kit. Created in-house by Thinking Oasis, this kit was tailored to suit the needs of the young learners, bridging a gap in the existing educational tools. The kit was not only easy to assemble and program but also aligned with the motor skills and of the students.
The success of the Winter Robotics Club at Al-Mayar International Schools highlights the effectiveness of using STEM activities as a platform to enhance Critical Thinking skills. Our focus is on making Critical Thinking training engaging and accessible for students of all ages, using STEM tools as a means rather than the primary goal. By prioritizing Critical Thinking, which is a core component of 21st-century skills, we aim to prepare students for future challenges and equip them with the essential skills needed to thrive in an evolving world.
