Robots make their debut at Beaufort Academy
Dash and Dot are the latest additions to Beaufort Academy.
Dash and Dot are real robots that the elementary and middle school children are coding by using five compatible apps on their iPads.
The Aimar Library purchased three sets in the fall and the Beaufort Academy Parents’ Association purchased another three sets before the holiday break so that students could have a complete classroom set.
Currently, the students are using the app Blockly to make the robots sing, dance and navigate their environment. Blockly is a coding app that uses a block interface, making programming easy for students while helping them to learn computational thinking.
In addition to being easy to use, it looks and acts very similarly to Scratch and Scratch Jr., which students are already familiar with.
Dash and Dot are built with programmable LED lights, microphones, a speaker, receivers, transmitters, proximity sensors, potentiometers, dual motors, powered wheels with distance tracking and processors. They are built to work with LEGOS and have accessories such as bulldozers, xylophones and ball launchers, making technology classes fun and interactive.
The school hopes to compete in the world-wide Wonder League Robotics Competition, where students will get to design solutions to science and technology challenges.
To learn more, visit www.makewonder.com.
AAUW is offering women’s scholarship
The Beaufort branch of the American Association of University Women is offering its annual scholarship to a mature woman, age 21 or older, who is returning to college following an interruption in her education career.
The applicant must be a woman who resides in Beaufort County, has a high school diploma or GED, and is returning to college or technical school in pursuit of her associate’s, bachelor’s or RN degree.
The $1,500 award is applicable to tuition and fees only and will be paid by AAUW to the college, university, vocational or technical school.
The applicant must demonstrate scholastic aptitude and leadership characteristics, as well as financial need.
The scholarship is part of AAUW’s mission to promote equity and education for women and girls.
The deadline for the application is 4 p.m. Monday, April 3.
Applications are available at the financial aid office of USCB at 801 Carteret St., the financial aid office of TCL at 921 Ribaut Road, or by email from Peggy Hubright at pmhubright@gmail.com.
Community foundation offering scholarships
If you’re a high school senior or a college student – or the parent of one – you’re probably aware that this is scholarship season. And if you’re looking for scholarships, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a terrific resource.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2017-2018 academic year. During the most recent academic year, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry awarded over $670,000 in scholarships to 152 students, attending 66 schools from 18 scholarship funds that were created by local businesses, families and individuals.
Each scholarship is unique, with its own criteria, requirements and application deadlines. Additionally, as a service to the community, the Community Foundation’s website also offers a scholarship listing that includes 55 scholarships available to local students.
To see a list of scholarships, learn additional details and apply, visit www.cf-lowcountry.org/Scholarships/Overview.
Local students make fall deans’ lists
The following local cadets received Dean’s List honors at The Citadel: John Bingham, Robert Bowles, Carli Cline, Brogan Ferry, James Gray, Adam Hannah, Edwin Heape, Charles Humphries, Sarah Kardohely, Trey Nelson, Brian Riddgle, Tobiah Spurlock, Christopher Wallace, Trent Weaver and Raven Wills, all of Beaufort; and Nicolas Cucinotta of Port Royal.
Additionally, Cierra Negron, of Beaufort, has been named to the Dean’s List at Newberry College.
BA student wins essay contest
Sixth-grade Beaufort Academy student Charlotte Grace Price was the American History Essay Contest winner for sixth grade and will be recognized at the Thomas Heyward, Jr. chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution annual award ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 9.
Charlotte submitted an essay based on the contest’s prompt to “Pretend you are writing a journal while visiting one of the 58 national parks. Identify its location. Discuss why and when it was established as a national park. What makes this park one of our national treasures?”
Charlotte will read her essay in front of chairmen, parents and teachers.
