Gone are the days of just memorizing facts in tri-town schools. These days, teachers are bringing more hands-on technology into classrooms as part of the emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math.

At Thursday night's Joint School Committee meeting, Asst. Superintendent Dr. Elise Frangos showcased some of that new technology to administrators and teachers.

In an effort to bring coding and computer science to younger students, the schools are now using Bee-Bots, small robots shaped like bees that let kids do basic coding. The Bee-Bots come with different types of mats that can be used in conjunction with the robots, such as a map with letters on it or a map with a roadway.

The mission is for students to program the robots to either spell out a specific word or drive a designated route.

Frangos said that in addition to coding, the robots teach students skills such as teamwork while integrating other STEM subjects.

Elementary students will get the chance to use littleBits, which are electronic building blocks that snap together with magnets. Putting together the modules allows students to invent different games and machines.

Committee member Heather Burke said she was a huge fan of the technology and thought it would greatly improve students' interest in science.

“The science curriculum used to be so dry,” she said. “My son got turned off at a young age, but this is really amazing.”