Tech-trailblazers from Fort Saskatchewan High have a new fleet of robots that they're unveiling on March 7. Designed by the school's STING Robotics team the savvy new bots come complete with sensors, motors, gears, complex electrical systems, batteries, control systems and computer software. "It's as close to real-world engineering as a student can get," says Rick Kobylnyk, the FIRST robotics teacher at Fort Saskatchewan High. "We're taking concepts the students are learning in the classroom and applying those to complex, multi-faceted problems that require teamwork and creativity."
The STING Robotics team is made up of 30 students in grades 10-12 who are enrolled in the school's For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) robotics program earning credits in electro-technology, computer programming and Career and Technology Foundations. Its goal is twofold: for students to learn about the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) sectors and to understand what career paths exist within it.
Once the robots are built, teams then compete in one of two regional FIRST robotics competitions that measure the effectiveness of each robot, the students' ability to problem solve and their ability to work in teams. "The STEM sector is transforming the way we do business, consume goods and interact with one another," says Kobylnyk. "So our goal is to prepare our students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the mounting demands of the sector."
The FIRST robotics program also includes a mentorship component that pairs students with technical professionals from Dow Canada. The mentors assist with brainstorming and troubleshooting techniques, which are invaluable not only during the build and competition, but outside of the program as well. "Students benefit from Dow's mentorship program because they get exposure to someone who uses STEM skills every day," says Jesse Hately, an engineer at Dow and one of two mentors who have partnered with Fort Saskatchewan High's STING Robotics team. "It's exciting to be a part of the project because you can see the students developing teamwork skills and applying concepts taught in the classroom to build a functioning robot. Dow is, at its core, a STEM company. We can't think of a better way to teach children about STEM and the career potential within the sector than with the hands-on experience the FIRST program provides."
Overall, students in the STING Robotics team have put close to 250 hours into building and programming their industrial-sized robots. In February, some of the student competed in the FIRST Tech Challenge Alberta Championship, grades 7-12, taking home the second-place alliance finish. Meanwhile, the remaining students are getting set to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition, grade 9-12, slated for April. In total, Dow sponsors 24 teams throughout central Alberta.
Event Details: STING Robot Unveiling
Date: March 7, 2017
Time: 12:45 p.m.
Place: Fort Saskatchewan High, construction room
Location: 10002 97 Ave., Fort Saskatchewan
Fort Saskatchewan High serves approximately 440 students in grades 10 to 12 and is one of eleven high schools in Elk Island Public Schools. More information about the school is available by visiting www.forthigh.ca.
