April 4, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Hauser Jr. High students ready for Purdue TECHFIT challenge
By From Sharon Mapes-
The goal of TECHFIT is to combine the importance of technology and fitness into an experience that should energize teachers, engage students, and excite communities through innovation. It is also designed to address possible solutions for getting young people active while having fun and learning the value of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects.
Over the summer, Mapes and Gaff attended a teacher training that included wellness and computer programming training. Their goal was to teach students to design an exercise game that included both programming and electrical skills that the student would learn.
To accomplish this goal, students were shown how to work collaboratively to develop an afterschool program in which the end goal is the creation of a unique exer-game using component parts from a supplied technology toolkit (valued at $4,500).
The Hauser team has created a training circuit that includes stretching, running a ladder, sit-ups, planks, tossing a ball, and using stretch bands for strength.
Hand-eye coordination is also supported by interacting with a student programmed Kinect game, where the student becomes a crab. Furthermore, players are motivated by student programmed lights, alarms, and scores to have the winning team in this energized game.
Last Tuesday, the team had a practice showcase for the Hope community to watch their presentation, before they attend the competition at Purdue on Dec. 8th.[[In-content Ad]]
