MC Robotics Creates “Sensory Room” at Michigan City High School

MC-Robotics-Creates-Sensory-Room-at-MCHSSpecial needs students at Michigan City High School now have a very special classroom, thanks to the Michigan City Robotics Team 3936. The team designed a "sensory room" as a community service project, which they unveiled during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 8th.

The room helps students with sensory or behavioral challenges by using a variety of visual effects, textures, and sounds to create an environment that stimulates the senses and provides a secure and exciting place to learn. Special features include a bubble tube with mirrors, a ball pit, plasma projector, an ergonomic rocking chair, a storage sofa, and an "outer space" mural that can be viewed in black light.

Funding for the project was provided by Arcelor Mittal and the Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation. Robotics team member Guendolen Mark was the student lead on the project, which also helped her fulfill requirements for her Girl Scout Gold Award. Robotics Team Mentor Jeff Partynski coordinated the overall project, taking team members to visit Michiana Resources to view a similar room and helping them design the area.

Next year, the Robotics Team will take on a community service project called "Making Coding Cool" which will encourage younger children to engage in programming small robotic devices.

The Robotics Team "build season" kicks off on January 9, 2016. New team members are welcome; contact Coach Ralph Gee for more information at rgee@mcas.k12.in.us