Every year the students on the 4-H Ocosta Wild Robotocats team compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), which combines sport with science and technology. Teams consisting of students and adult mentors compete under strict rules, limited resources, and extreme time constraints.
Each year presents a different challenge and requires a new robot design. Teams have six weeks to design, build, test, and practice with their robot before competing against a national field of competitors.
Throughout the year, students are challenged to raise funds, market their brand, hone teamwork and design skills, and then design, build, and program their robot to compete in the game.
Competitions
This year, the students successfully competed against 4A school teams with many times their members and resources, and created a robot that placed 11th at one district event, and 17th at another, becoming an alliance captain and earning a place in the playoffs. Although they did not place high enough to go to the regional championships, they had a lot of fun and a great learning experience.
FIRST and 4-H visions
Sharing the FIRST and 4-H visions, the team has created a positive, comfortable environment where students learn, are free to express ideas, assume leadership roles, and become a productive design/build team.
The Mission of the team is to produce a positive learning environment encouraging teamwork, self-confidence, and ingenuity through mentorship - incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and vocational skills.
Between builds
Between build seasons, the students explore possible careers in a wide variety of fields including engineering, computer programming, electronics, metal fabrication, business management, marketing, video production, and more. They also get the opportunity to help others through community service and outreach.
Setting and meeting goals
The students constantly strive to improve their skills and make goals for the future. Much of the learning is self-taught, and self-paced, and students can call on parents and mentors for guidance and support. Goals set by the students include mentoring others between yearly competitions, and assisting each other to learn and apply new skills. The students are continually learning to use advanced technologies such as 3D printing, Computer Aided Design, computer programming, producing video presentations for marketing and outreach, and small business administration.
The team is also working with the Ocosta School District, and Grays Harbor County 4-H to further the inclusion of STEM and vocational curriculum in the school system.
Learn more
For more information about the team, visit www.FRC3787.com
If you would like to help the team by volunteering or in any other way, please contact us. Team 3787 appreciates the continued support from our community, our school and our sponsors. The students are thankful for any donations and/or sponsorships, which are all tax-deductible.
