Students Showcase Marine Robotics Projects at PLOCAN
The primary school students have today completed their involvement in the educational marine robotics project at the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), showcasing the prototypes they designed and built as part of their learning in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM competencies). This initiative was developed by PLOCAN, funded by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, and in collaboration with the STEAM Area for the Promotion of Scientific Vocations and Creativity from the Department of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity, and Sports of the Government of the Canary Islands.
Educational Project Outcomes
The final meetings of the Marine Edubotics project, framed within the EDUROVs initiative, took place on 16th and 17th June, in collaboration with the STEAM Area of the General Directorate of Educational Organisation, Inclusion, and Innovation of the Government of the Canary Islands. These events saw participation from a total of 480 students from primary and secondary education across Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, Fuerteventura, and Tenerife.
Raúl García Brink, the councillor for Environment, Climate, Energy, and Knowledge of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, attended the prototype presentations. He emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating that it “brings science, technology, and innovation closer to students in a practical and engaging way, fostering scientific vocations from an early age.”
Scientific Commitment
He further highlighted that “the Cabildo of Gran Canaria continues to support projects that contribute to developing the talent of our young people and to strengthening a society based on knowledge, sustainability, and innovation.”
PLOCAN has been promoting these activities for the past fourteen years under the EDUROVs project, funded by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria. This initiative is aimed at encouraging scientific and technological vocations and developing STEAM competencies by enhancing the training of students in the Canary Islands through knowledge of marine robotics.
Marine Robotics Presentations
Representatives from various secondary schools, comprising 210 students, opened the project presentation days on 16th June, which concluded today with another group of 270 primary students. During these two days, participating teams presented and tested the prototypes developed throughout the academic year, applying knowledge related to robotics, programming, electronics, and marine technology, all of which also require a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment and oceanography.
Promoting Educational Innovation
These meetings will also facilitate the sharing of experiences among educational institutions and highlight the work accomplished by both students and teachers in the field of educational innovation. This initiative reinforces the commitment of PLOCAN, the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, and the Department of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity, and Sports of the Government of the Canary Islands to promote STEAM vocations, educational innovation, and knowledge of the marine environment as a strategic area for the future development of the Canary Islands.
