“Soldiers of Technology” Team Benefits by Competition

Robotics teams from high schools and technology centers across the state competed March 25th, 26th, and 27th in the 2010 FIRST Robotics Regional at the Cox Center in Oklahoma City. This marks the third year of competition for the “Soldiers of Technology” team, comprised of students from Great Plains Technology Center – and partner schools. Each robotics competition provides students hands-on experience as close to “real-world engineering” as possible, including the frustration that may arise from production delays due to such things as inclement weather and lost delivery packages.

Competition for the team members began long before the three-day event in Oklahoma City. The Soldiers of Technology Team 2435 was challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program a robot to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. The process required the students to spend three to four days a week after school for several months in an intense learning experience.  In addition to the team members, Great Plains Technology Center teachers and staff, industry mentors, and parents provided support.

The team members come away from the competition with an excitement for learning that cannot be replicated by any other process, whether they bring home an award or not. Many have changed their concept of what engineering is about and made definite plans to further their education in order to become a new generation of programmers, electrical engineers, designers, and scientists. This is the true measure of success of the program.

Check out the team website at http://team2435.org/2010/.



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