Robotics team showcases robots, raises funds for upcoming competition

FIRST Team 3313 Mechatronics, the Jefferson High School (JHS) robotics team, bagged groceries at Elden’s Fresh Foods in Alexandria as a fundraiser on Saturday, October 20.

The team worked from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and showcased the student-built robots to the public throughout the day. All proceeds from the fundraiser go toward the funding of building a new robot and entering the FIRST competition.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) requires teams of students to come together with adult mentors and businesses from their community to build a robot to play a game that changes each year.

The students have six and a half weeks, a rule book, and a budget to build their robot. FIRST serves as a way to keep students excited and interested in science, technology, engineering and math.

The JHS team will start building its new robot on January 5. The team is funded entirely by local businesses and through public fundraisers. For more information, visit the website team3313mechatronics.blogspot.com.

Tags: life, education, robotics