INDIVIDUALIZED HIGH-TECH PROGRAM

Computers
One of the goals of Manchester Academic Charter School is to have every student and teacher develop the confidence and competency needed to use the computer as an instructional tool for more efficient and productive learning. Computers are located in the School's two Computer Labs, which all have Internet access. The students' first experiences with the computer are designed to show the proper way to interact with hardware and computer programs. These programs correlate to specific curricular areas such as mathematics, language arts, and science.

As students become more skilled, they use the computer to present and manage problem-solving experiences. Special age-level word processing programs are used for students in Kindergarten through Third Grade, after which more involved word processing programs are introduced and become a major focus for the remaining years of elementary school. The students use the computer to type, edit and print their reports and compositions.

Robotics
MACS is committed to using robotics to excite children about science and technology and to help create a more technologically literate society. Our students learn to design and program full-functional robots that carry out life-like automated tasks.Utilizing math, science, physics, and problem solving skills students learn to work as a team developing the programs and mechanics of their robots.

MACS also participates in the First Lego League (FLL). FLL introduces students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society.

FLL sponsors what some would call “competitions”, but FLL has coined the term “Coopertition”.  Coopertition means competing always, but assisting and enabling others when you can. The MACS robotics program has been involved since 2006. Over that time period we have won several awards:

• 2006 – “Data Loggers” May Madness Competition Performance Award
• 2006 – “Data Loggers” May Madness Competition Judges Award
• 2007 – “Mr. Rogers Robotics Adventure ” May Madness Competition 3rd Place Performance Award
• 2008 – First Lego League “Climate Connections” State Competition 1st place Teamwork Award

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