<p>A local middle school class that studies the art and science of robotics is particularly looking for ways to put their lessons to good use. The Wilson Middle School class taught by Andrew Chase visited the therapy department at Augusta Health last week to learn some more of the special needs of senior citizens. In turn, they hope to use the technical skills they're learning in class to help.</p><p>It's all about innovation, but even more than that, the coordination of the robotics class, a partnership with First Lego League and the hospital, these students are imagining a way to put their knowledge to work. It's the kind of innovation that makes public education more relevant, and especially for middle schoolers, relevance cannot be underestimated.</p><p>The robotics class has students energized, Chase told reporter Laura Peters in a front page story last week. They understand that what they are learning will help people. And that kind of learning begets an interest in more study. And the seniors will benefit, too, as a generation shifts gears toward the study of science and technology.</p><p>Kudos to school administrators who invest in such curriculums and Augusta Health for bringing the partnership to life through hands-on training and field trips. It's another way that the community shares a hand in public education.</p><p><a href="http://www.newsleader.com/article/20121015/OPINION/310150027/Robotics-class-engages-middle-schoolers?odyssey=nav%7Chead">Keep reading...</a></p>