Between programming, computer designing, manufacturing parts, planning events, and spreading the STEM message to the community, there is a lot more to the robotics team than just cool robots.
Though the robotics season goes all year round, the real work takes place over six weeks from January to February. During this time, they work six days a week on building their robot, but senior Zack Chau is no stranger to this level of commitment, having joined his freshman year.
“Obviously, that six week stretch is quite a grind, but it’s incredibly satisfying to be able to look at our robot and to say ‘wow, we created this from start to finish,’” Chau said.
At the end of this six week period, the team takes their robot to competitions and tries to score points by completing tasks with it. At each competition, the teams give a brief presentation on how they help spread STEM throughout their community. It was because of this presentation that the team won the prestigious Chairman’s award at their last 2019 district competition.
“To me, this award is an incredible honor, as it recognizes that our team is an example for other teams to follow, and it recognizes all of the hard work our members do to spread the values of STEM, whether it be through demonstrations at the middle school, Hooksett’s high school fair, our Old Home Days, the LEGO Robotics event we host, or the RoboExpo we host at the Pheasant Lane Mall each year,” Chau said. “All of these events are student planned and student run, just as most of the team is, and that is something that people should know.”
These events are put on by the team to encourage more participation and interest in robotics and the sciences in general.
“All of our efforts are to engage more people to be involved in the STEM community,” senior Mackenzie Conner said. “Our team believes deeply in starting a passion for STEM at a young age.”
For many on the team, receiving the highest prize in the robotics organization has been a huge honor.
“The award has personally affected me by telling me that all the work that our team has put in into making society more informed on the opportunities of STEM has been recognized and rewarded,” sophomore Eric Casey said.
Members also feel that the award will enlighten others about what robotics is really about.
“This award is an excellent way to show others that the robotics team isn’t just about building robots, but it also involves spreading the importance of STEM not only locally, but globally as well,” sophomore Jill Maguire said.
All of their hard work over the years on their robots and in their community has finally paid off, as the team just finished competing at worlds in Detroit.
“Some of them have been working towards this since their freshman year, so I’m insanely proud of them,” senior and team captain Kat Provost said.
As the Chairman’s Award and the competitions point out, there is more to the robotics team than what meets the eye, and they are encouraging people to take a chance and try it out. More information about the team, the work they do, and their competition schedule can be found at team1058.com.
“Don’t let our quirkiness intimidate you. We are always happy to have new members,” Chau said. “I’ve always found it to be quite a welcoming place. Whether you’re interested in machining, design, programming, business, graphic design, or even writing, there is a place for everyone on the team.”
