Spring Branch ISD Featured News

As part of the recent STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Night festivities, students at Wilchester Elementary (WCE) unveiled an extraordinary project that showcased their creativity, collaboration, and coding skills—the Ozobot Coding City.

This large-scale, interactive display was the result of a campus-wide effort involving 40 STEM classes. Each class contributed five unique boards, resulting in a sprawling cityscape composed of 200 interconnected boards.

The project challenged students to work in groups to design solid black lines, creating pathways for Ozobot robots to navigate. Beyond the technical aspect, students had the freedom to express their creativity by designing their own sections of the city. The designs varied from 2D illustrations to intricate 3D structures, with some students blending both techniques. Every student played a role, ensuring that each board reflected diverse ideas and artistic flair.

The inspiration behind the Ozobot Coding City was to create an engaging, hands-on display for STEMfest, the school's STEM Night celebration. To bring this vision to life, students first learned how Ozobot robots operate, mastering the basics of coding and robotic navigation. They then explored different methods to construct city elements, utilizing 3D paper techniques to create standing buildings and dynamic cityscapes. This combination of technical learning and artistic design fostered not only STEM skills but also teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Critical thinking, a key trait in Spring Branch Independent School District's (SBISD) Core Characteristics of a T-2-4 Ready Graduate, was a cornerstone of the project. Students encountered real-world challenges, especially when their 3D buildings didn’t stand as planned. Rather than giving up, they collaborated to troubleshoot and adapt their designs, developing resilience and innovative thinking—key skills for future academic and professional success.

Reflecting on the project, the STEM team expressed immense pride in both the scale and the outcome. “This is definitely the largest project I have ever taken on, and I am proud of how amazing it turned out,” shared Rachel Marino, a teacher at WCE. “I am also extremely proud of how creative the students were and all the work they put into building their boards.”

The most rewarding moment came when students saw the completed Ozobot Coding City on display. Their excitement was evident as they eagerly pointed out their contributions to family and friends, their faces beaming with pride. The Ozobot Coding City was more than just a project—it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when collaboration, creativity, and the limitless potential of STEM education come together.

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