Robots for girls: Schools in Uslar start MINT initiative!

Robots for girls: Schools in Uslar start MINT initiative!

A lot has happened in the Uslar region in the last few days: five “Spike Prime robot” sets were handed over to three schools, and there is great joy about it. Students from local educational institutions - the Uslarer Gymnasium, the Heinrich-Roth-Gesamtschule (IGS) Bodenfelde and the Sollingschule (Realschule) in Uslar - can look forward to these free kits, which are worth a total of around 7,500 euros. In addition to financial support from the EU and the South District Group of the Association of Metal Industries (Göttingen), the project was supported by the educational initiative “Here we have a future!” was launched, which focuses on teaching robotics and MINT knowledge, reports [HNA](https://www.hna.de/lokales/uslar-solling/robotik-bausaetze-fuer-drei-schulen-maedchen-profitieren-am-gymnasium-der-solling-und-der- Gesamtschule-93788195.html).

The focus here is primarily on female students, because the MINT area, which includes mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology, is still heavily male-dominated. Headmaster Andreas Heinrich of the IGS emphasizes the importance of the MINT subjects and emphasizes the need to promote enthusiasm for technology and natural sciences through projects like this.

Pioneering work in robotics

The newly handed over robot sets are intended to promote not only technical knowledge, but also teamwork, because Michael Brüggemann, designated chairman of the Robotikfreunde Göttingen, emphasizes the advantages of groups of two when building and programming the robots. Teachers are also given the responsibility of supporting their students in these exciting projects. In order to further promote playful access to technology, Brüggemann suggests introducing a MINT day in schools.

Another aspect that should not be underestimated in this context is the role of families. With the MINT Action Plan 2.0, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has formulated clear goals to promote MINT skills from daycare to university and thus increase the chances of finding skilled workers. Through recurring campaigns such as Girls' Day, students should be able to find out about their careers at an early stage - because there is still a lot of catching up to do here. The proportion of women among new students in the STEM field was only 35% in 2022, which shows that there is still a lot of work to do to achieve equality in these professional fields.

A look at the future

The project in Uslar is part of a larger trend that aims to get students of all ages interested in technical careers. Many organizations and initiatives are committed to promoting early and practice-oriented MINT education. On platforms such as the Library of Things you can find numerous resources that are intended to support young people on their educational path. These projects show that it is important to awaken enthusiasm for technology and to make careers in these areas tangible.

In summary, it can be said that the new robotics kits in Uslar not only represent technological progress, but can also trigger social change in the educational landscape. This means schools are ideally positioned to inspire students for the exciting challenges of the future. Because one thing is clear: the technology of tomorrow needs creative minds!