The first part of the class is structured, where the children follow a set of instructions on how to build and program their robot.

“We teach the basics the first couple of days,” Watson said.

In the second half, Watson said the students are allowed to be a little more creative and must program their robot to complete a set of specific tasks.

Watson said there is more to this class than just building and programming and that it is different from a linear class.

“There is no right answer,” he said. “They just go after it and figure it out. I think it’s an opportunity to increase both teamwork and building skills.”

Watson said the program is very popular and has a full session with 27 students.

The program also includes a mentorship program where he said older students act as supervisors and help the children out when needed.

Watson has been in charge of the class since 2008, a year after his son was a student for the last time.

Matthew Watson, his son, is a sophomore at Haslett High School and a mentor for the second year in a row.

He said that he likes being a mentor because of the opportunity he gets to work with children.

Eleven-year-old Ben Preston from Elsie, Mich., said he thinks the class is educational and he definitely would come back.

“It keeps you content and makes time go fast,” Preston said.

Amalia Scorsone, a 10-year-old fifth-grader from DeWitt, Mich., said her favorite part is the people.

“I like the teachers and the people who help,” Scorsone said. “And I like building things.”

Bob Watson said he is amazed by how much the children learn during the week.

“It’s amazing how the kids’ brains are like sponges,” he said. “They soak this stuff up.”