Israeli 1st graders take on robotics studies

Former Air Force commander Avihu Ben-Nun initiates technological study program for school children in effort to tackle shortage of engineers

Reuters | Published: 01.13.11, 13:06

Israel has joined an exclusive club of Western countries where first graders take robotics classes as part of their school curriculum.

Following an initiative put forward by former Air Force Commander Avihu Ben-Nun, Israel's educational system has arranged robotics classes for students of the first, second and third grades in an effort to expose the kids to the scientific-technological field in the backdrop of a shortage of engineers in the army and private sector.

Robotics studies in elementary and high schools are being held as part of the activity of the FIRST organization which is based in the United States. The studies are being funded by leading Israeli and foreign companies.

Or Gavish, a first grade student in Kfar Yona has already gotten a chance to build an ambulance together with his classmates. "I would like to build a robot who would do my homework for me," he said. Yuval Rubinfeld said his class built a clinic and medical appliances from LEGO parts.

Founder of FIRST Israel Ben-Nun said that robotics studies will develop confidence and a sense of capability among the kids. "As the former Air Force commander I am firmly aware of the importance and need for professional manpower of engineers and technicians in the technological field," he said.

"We want to make the students fall in love with the field and opt for technological professions as is apparent in Canada, England, Holland, Belgium and the United States."

FIRST also holds robotics classes in 150 high schools in Israel. At the end of the process students build robots which compete in international competitions. Israel has emerged in the top places in such races in the past.