Northwestern Middle School received a grant to purchase MakerSpace, a program that uses different means of teaching computer programming, such as creating 3-D items, and programs to “drive” a computerized ball through the hallways of the school.

Eighth-grade students at the school were recently introduced to a new gadget called Sphyro, which is designed to teach students computer programming through the use of basic coding, commands, and how to use a loop and problem solving.

Computer teacher Shannon Kistler began by teaching them how to create a square after which they attempted to create a pentagon.

The students discovered that the pentagon was more difficult than a square, because they had to rewrite the program.

Once they had completed the programming they loaded their program on a ball.

Then the students tested their work by driving their device using a tablet.

The Sphyro is not only part of a Do-It-Yourself program that allows its user to create 3-D objects through the use of 3-D printers, electronics, but with LEGOs and more.

The school library has a wall that allows the students to work together to create things using the LEGOs.