11:30 - 1:00
Eligibility: 6th – 8th Graders Only | Class Schedule: Mondays and/or Thursdays
This fall, our middle schoolers will dive into the thrilling world of competitive robotics! Incoming students will be joining an existing, established team to conquer this year's official game challenge, BIOBUZZ™ presented by RTX.
Because our team is already meeting regularly throughout the summer to sharpen their skills, new students will join an established crew.
What the Season Entails:
• Engineering & Design: Students will brainstorm, troubleshoot, and optimize a custom robot, utilizing CAD On-Shape software and 3D printing to create custom parts.
• Coding & Control: Team members will use JAVA blocks coding to program the robot to perform both autonomously (self-driving) and via driver-guided controls.
• The Big Reveal: While the team is prepping now, the exact game rules and tabletop missions will be officially unveiled at the Season Kickoff on September 12th.
• League Competition: As proud members of the Michigan South Central Regional League, the team will compete in several local matches. Please note that matches often occur on evenings or weekends.
• The Engineering Portfolio: Robotics is about more than just the machine! Students will practice real-world teamwork to write a group paper and create a formal presentation reflecting their technical growth, which they will pitch to a panel of judges at the final tournament.
Important Expectations for Families:
Fees & Volunteering: Due to the high costs associated with parts, tournament registrations, and team equipment, families will be asked to choose one of the following options:
• Option A: Staff an extra fundraising concessions shift during the season (plus standard team volunteer duties). Note: This concessions requirement must be fulfilled before the end of the semester, or the additional $250 fee will be automatically applied to your account.
• Option B: Pay an additional $250 robotics fee upfront in lieu of the extra concessions shift.
Space is limited to ensure a high-quality, hands-on experience for every student. Register today to secure your student's spot on the roster!
Class by Angie Sylvester and Caleen Bolak