Even though it was quite chilly, students raising money to fund the BEST robotics program at Coppinville High School still chose to subject their administrators to a furry of water balloons Oct. 25.
For 50 cents each, students could purchase a water balloon during their morning break and hurl it at CJHS principal Matt Humphreys and assistant principal Jeff Torrence in the name of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
All together the students raised $292 in less than hour, which bodes well for the team as marketing is a key aspect of the BEST robotics competition.
BEST is a middle and high school robotics competition whose mission is to engage and excite students about careers in STEM fields.
Through participation in the project-based STEM program, students learn to analyze
and solve problems utilizing the Engineering Design Process, which helps develop technological literacy skills. I
About 850 schools and more than 18,000 students participate in the competition each fall, and Coppinville is hoping to outshine the other schools participating in the Wiregrass area.
“The water balloons were a hit,” said team sponsor Kimberlee Taylor. “Our principal and assistant principal were great sports. They really built up the spirit of this fundraiser”
Taylor said the project, which began Sept. 21, has been a whirlwind so far.
“We met and agreed to jump head first into this project, without knowing anything about it,” she said, referring to the teachers sponsoring the Coppinville team.
Students joined the team through an application process that included a written essay.
When the 50 applications were reviewed, 17 team members selected.
Not only are the students building a robot, they are also creating an engineering notebook to outline the entire process.
Teams participating in Best Robotics also develop web design and marketing skills, which help them “sell” their robots against other competitors and raise the money needed to fund the construction of their school’s robot.
That marketing mentality is what left Humphrey and Torrence shivering from bunch of water balloons during a 10 a.m. break from classes
“These students have met after school every day since then to plan and construct a functional robot that will be able to complete specific tasks as outlined by the BEST Robotics and compete against numerous teams in the area,” Taylor said.
Thought the final competition isn’t until Nov. 2, a mall day was sponsored at Wiregrass Commons Mall in Dothan Oct. 19.
During the event teams showcased the progress they've made on their robotic creations, and Taylor said it was a turning point for the Coppinville team.
“When our students saw what they were really up against, I believe it calmed some nerves and ignited a fire in them to finish strong,” Taylor said. “They were able to see their robot and the work they are doing are more on track than they had previously thought.”
Coppinville Best Robotics team members include: Alissa Rowe, Kyle Wilson, Caed Barker, Jude Blake, Mitchell Carr, Lochlan McFarland, Victoria Morgan, Joan Warner, Mary Wells, Allie Strausl, Summer Parker, Tyler Gentry, Katherine Hoobler, Corinna Jones, Savannah Mathes, Ashlyn Moore and Lucas Orlando.
Team sponsors include: Taylor, Melissa Popovich, Tiffany Dennis, Jason Tucker and Jason Holloway.
For more information on the program, visit http://www.bestinc.org.
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