Fridays, July 21 – August 18, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Orcas Island Public Library

— from Nita Couchman for Orcas Island Public Library —

Orcas Island Public Library will be offering a program for youth patrons using the popular LEGO Mindstorms kit. The five-week program will give youth patrons the opportunity to learn what is necessary to make the robots move and perform. The programs will be held on five consecutive Fridays beginning July 21, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room at the Library. Space is limited, so pre-registration at the Library is required.

The Mindstorms kits are designed to teach robotics to upper elementary and middle school students and above. Each kit will come with the following equipment:

  • LEGO Mindstorms Education EV3 Core Set
  • Laptops with licenses Lego EV3 software
  • Projector
  • IR Sensor and IR Beacon/Remote
  • Extra Ultrasonic Sensor
  • Assorted extra LEGO accessories and parts

The Mindstorms kit is designed to give kids experience learning to code to get the robots to do what the users want.

The Washington State Library is providing the Mindstorms kits to libraries that request them, said Carolyn Petersen, the State Library’s assistant program manager for library development.

“Since these are expensive kits, they will give kids who might never have a chance to play with these robots otherwise a chance to play with them at their local libraries,” Petersen said.

To register for the program or to get more information, please contact Nita Couchman, Youth Services Librarian, at 376-4985.