MOUNT GREENWOOD — The Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences won the first-ever Best Buy Challenge, earning the students special visit from the Geek Squad this week.
The magnet school at 3857 W. 111th St. in Mount Greenwood edged out 173 other Chicago Public Schools for the win.
Taking home the title meant hosting a Geek Squad Academy session that included courses in 3D printing, LEGO robotics, digital music and digital citizenship.
“The students were very excited when the Geek Squad arrived and even more so afterwards. The robotics presentation was probably the most popular, but the students in our Animal Science Pathway really enjoyed learning about veterinary prosthetics,” Principal William Hook said.
The Ag School won the Geek Squad session as a result of student participation in the Chicago City of Learning. This online tool allows students to earn digital badges for learning activities outside of the classroom. Best Buy sponsors the program.
At the Ag School, 73 percent of the 670 students signed up for free accounts through Chicago City of Learning. Jones College Prep High School in the South Loop came in second for the most online registrants.
“The experience opened their eyes to how technology can be used to enhance all careers,” Hook said.
More information on the Chicago City of Learning can be found at ChicagoCityofLearning.org.
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