Over the last three months, we have been working to bring robotics education to San Luis, a rural area in Southwestern Arizona. A group of high school students were introduced to Birdbrain Technologies' Finch Robot 2.0 through which they learned how to code, explored STEM concepts through hands-on activities, and brought their creative ideas to life.
As our 7-week program draws to an exciting conclusion — a synchronized "Finch parade," we couldn’t be more proud of what our students have accomplished. These bright learners have not only gained hands-on experience in robotics but also developed awareness and confidence to pursue potential STEM careers — all while having fun and embracing the spirit of innovation!
About San Luis
San Luis has long been a champion of bringing cutting-edge educational programs to students, with the school district being the largest employer in the city. With a strong focus on preparing students for college and career success, San Luis places STEM education at the forefront of its mission. The Portable Practical Educational Preparation (PPEP) Rural Institute was founded in 1967 to improve the quality of rural life. True to this spirit, PPEP San Luis brings in fresh, creative alternatives to traditional teaching — making sure marginalized students feel seen, supported, and ready to shine.
Bilingual robotics education
In this course, students got hands-on experience with the Finch, learning the ins and outs of robotics, programming, and sensor technology. Since the majority of students were Spanish speakers, bilingual instruction played a crucial role throughout the program. Lessons were delivered in both English and Spanish, ensuring that all students could fully engage with the material, express their creativity, and build confidence in programming.
From coding simple movements and drawing shapes to more complex tasks like creating melodies and jousting, students applied a variety of programming concepts to bring their Finch robots to life. They also explored how the Finch’s sensors could respond to external stimuli, deepening their understanding of cause-and-effect in coding. This bilingual approach allowed students to thrive, fostering collaboration across languages while strengthening both technical and communication skills.
The Finch Robot - A versatile robot for coding and robotics education
The Finch was created by BirdBrain Technologies based in Pittsburgh, PA and is a versatile robot that teaches students coding through interactive projects. While we used this robot for a high school program, we love it across K-12 programs too. It features sensors, lights, and motors that students can program using Microsoft’s MakeCode and even text-based Python. This allows students to see immediate results from their code as their robots move, light up, and respond to their commands. The Finch is a perfect tool for fostering curiosity and problem-solving in the classroom.
Project Examples
Some standout projects from this session include:
• Drawing Shapes with Finch: Students attached markers to their Finches and programmed it to draw shapes like triangles, hexagons, and octagons. This activity blended math and robotics, as students calculated the perimeter and area of their shapes while refining their coding skills.
• Finch Parade Float: Students decorated their robots as parade floats and programmed them to perform synchronized movements in a "Finch Parade." This project showcased creativity, teamwork, and the importance of sequence-based programming.
• Finch Jousting: In this competitive activity, students coded their Finches to face off in a jousting match! With precision programming, students directed their robots to charge toward an object, testing accuracy and speed control.
Student Demographics
This program served 16 migrant high school students from 9th to 12th grade, with a focus on supporting rural, Spanish-speaking learners. For many participants, this was their first experience with robotics, and their enthusiasm was contagious! Thanks to the support of their teachers and the San Luis community, students were able to build both technical skills and confidence.
Assessment Results
To measure the impact of this program, we gathered data through surveys and assessments. Here are some key findings:
• Math Skills: Pre- and post-assessment results showed a 10% overall improvement in math comprehension.
• Collegiate Interest: 75% of students said our program increased their interest in attending college.
• Program Satisfaction: 96% of students said they would recommend our program to other students.
But don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what a few of our students had to say about their unforgettable experience:
“Es muy divertido y aprendemos mucho”
“Es un programa muy entretenido y productivo, las maestras son muy amistosas y gentiles, y no estuve aburrido en el programa porque siempre hubo algo que hacer. Así que muchas gracias.”
“Que es una clase muy padre, me diverti mucho con las actividades”
Shoutouts and Gratitude
We’d like to give a big thank you to PPEP Tech High School and the dedicated teachers who made this program possible. Special thanks to Michelle Inigez, the Migrant Program Coordinator, who worked tirelessly to ensure every student had the support they needed. And big thanks to Ms. Cathy and Ms. Diana, our lead instructors for this program. Your contributions were invaluable!
Check out our Instagram Highlight Reel!
Curious to see the Finch in action? Check out our Finch Robot 2.0 highlight reel here!
