High-tech competition fosters real-world skills, encourages science careers
It sounds just like the latest science fiction movie or newest video game. Cue the resonant announcer’s voice: As their creators look on, two robots face off against each other in an elimination round from which only one robot will emerge victorious.
But it’s not fiction that brought them together. It’s the FIRST Robotics Competition, which held its regional competition in Kansas City late last month. In the competition, teams of professional engineers and high school students work together to design and build robots to compete in high-intensity situations. The work involved in preparing for and participating in the competition shows students that there are multiple career opportunities in the science fields, and that the basic concepts of science, math, engineering, and invention are exciting and interesting.
The 61 teams of Kansas high school students involved in the Greater Kansas City FIRST Robotics Competition worked on their robots after school and on weekends under the guidance of professional engineers, creating a strong mentoring relationship. The teams seek out sponsors and rely on the generosity of their communities to provide funding and materials to participate in the competition.
It is this focus on fostering meaningful mentoring opportunities and solid community outreach that led the Kansas Enrichment Network to seek out Greater Kansas City FIRST to become the newest partner.
“One indicator of quality afterschool programs speaks to providing a safe, healthy and nurturing environment,” says Marcia Dvorak, project director for the Network. “These factors are a key part of supporting the physical, social, emotional and educational development of children and youth.”
The University of Kansas Institute for Educational Research and Public Service created the Kansas Enrichment Network, a collaborative partnership committed to youth of Kansas through a coordinated service program. The mission of the Network is to raise awareness, build capacity and sustainability and promote the importance of safe, high-quality, affordable out-of-school programs.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. The goal is to attract more students to science and engineering and to inspire students, their schools and communities to value the importance of these fields. FIRST also redefines the concept of winning for these students by rewarding design excellence, team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity and perseverance. Scoring the most points is secondary to building lasting partnerships.
“During the competition, you could see evidence of the strong youth voice on every team,” Dvorak said. “That’s another quality indicator of out-of-school time programs.”
The competition reaches more than 30,000 students each year both in the United States and abroad. More than 1,700 teams will vie for the chance to earn a berth to the international championship, held in Atlanta next month.
In addition to gaining real-life experiences, participating in the competition has added benefits for the students. With the recent emphasis on the need for professionals in math, engineering, technology and science, many colleges and universities have started offering scholarships to students who participate in FIRST Robotics competitions. Last year, five Kansas students were offered $3,500 renewable scholarships to attend KU.
“This competition is valuable because of the concentration on Math, Engineering, Science and Technology,” Dvorak said. “It exists as an area of focus for the Network, and we are pleased to be able to partner with Greater Kansas City FIRST.”
For more information, visit the websites for the Kansas Enrichment Network and FIRST Robotics.
