Robots are fun toys for kids, but they are also important tools that are in growing demand.

There are some kids at Osolo Elementary in Elkhart who like to build robots and compete with them.

They are also the latest winners of our “One School at a Time” grant, thanks to Martin’s Super Markets. They won a check for $1,000 to put towards their robotics club.

“They have to do programming, they have to think outside the box. I think it’s a pretty neat program you’ve got going,” said Steve Moore from Martin’s Super Market as he presented the school with their check.

As NewsCenter 16’s Tricia Sloma found out, it’s not all fun and games; it’s high-tech learning at its best.

Spinning wheels keep young minds turning at Osolo Elementary’s robotics club.

“This is the first year they’ve done it, so I decided since they announced it last year I decided that’s what I want to do,” explained 6th grader Jared Gaugler.

It’s hard to believe the members of this club are just fifth and sixth graders who are developing complicated programs to get the robots to perform tricky maneuvers.

“The hardest part would have to be getting back to the base. That’s like the hardest thing to do,” explained 6th grader Ramikumar Patel.

It is a challenge, not a game and the robots certainly are not toys. These kids are learning about robotic applications in biomedical engineering.

“This is the future of America and I want these kids to learn what to do with robots,” said Cyle Weldy, a fifth grade teacher.

Weldy says he would like to see the program expand to include more kids and more computers. The $1,000 grant will help a lot.

“It’s going to be huge. I want laptops because right now we’re stuck with desktop computers and the kids can’t get access to the programs or the robots if people are in here,” Weldy explained.

He says this is one extracurricular program that is not just keeping kids busy after school, it is also helping kids figure out what they want to do in the future.

“I want to be an engineer when I grow up, so I thought it was really cool that we could use robots and program them,” said 5th grader Katie Lade.

The kids are off to a great start. This is the first year for the project and in their first tournament they placed in the top-eight.

We’ll keep you posted on their success and let you know how the new computers are helping out.