M’CHIGEENG—The Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) Manitoulin Metal Robotics FRC6865 team has had its first book published as part of a literacy series.
The children’s book, ‘Robofriends and the Mow Zone’ is now available for purchase on Amazon and will soon be available for sale at the school. “It is super exciting,” stated team member Alexandra Wilson-Zegil.
“We wanted to promote STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) and environmental sustainability in a way that is fun and targeted at young kids,” explained Ms. Wilson-Zegil. “This is part of the reason why we included interactive elements like the glossary, discussion questions and the Bee Challenge in the book. We were inspired by the no mow zone at MSS. The no mow zone is a place that is not mowed in order to sustain the homes of animals that live there.”
The story line focuses on a team of robofriends who get ready for a picnic when a danger enters the garden. Now, they have to work together to protect what matters most.
“Last year we visited all elementary schools on the Island for STEAM and Technology visits, and to promote both,” said Ms. Wilson-Zegil.
“The original idea for a series of books was something the MSS team began looking at in June, with the script writing beginning in September, Robyn Ashley-McNaughton drawings and Yana (Bauer) team mentor putting on canvas,” continued Ms. Wilson-Zegil, the latter who wrote the book.
“The book is amazing, and we are so excited and proud of the students,” said Ms. Bauer. “The initial idea came after the team came back from our journey to the World FRC championships. The members of the team brainstormed on ideas for the book and the draft of the book was complete by the end of June. Then revisions were made to the book by the students at the fundraising golf tournament (held at Brookwood Brae Golf Course in Mindemoya) in September. Robyn (Ashley McNaughton) did the illustrations for the book that are so beautiful and inspiring.”
“The final draft was written by Alexandra (Wilson-Zegil),” continued Ms. Bauer. “This was definitely no small feat when you consider all the ideas and concepts the group had put forward,” stated Ms. Bauer.
A handful of kids edited the book and the book was published (the first weekend in December) and posted on Amazon. “That was exciting,” said Ms. Bauer.
Since the book was put on Amazon, it has sold 15 copies ($15 a piece), and is a fundraiser for the MSS robotics team and its trip to Houston for the FRC world championship in 2024.
Alexandra said, “We really wanted to get young students interested in STEAM, and interested in it at a young age.”
The MSS Robotics team will be holding an official launch of the book on December 20.
