WILLIAMSVILLE, NY - St. Gregory the Great Middle School Robotics Team took home a first place trophy for their innovative project - a glove that helps you play music. The Team designed, built and programmed an autonomous robot to complete 15 missions on a robot challenge board against 10 teams. This local Robotics Competition win qualified our Team for participation in the Regional Championship on February 10.
St. Greg’s talented Middle School Math teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Fuerstinger, leads our Robotics Team, along with several Middle School students who are interested in engineering, technology and problem-solving. Mrs. Fuerstinger encourages both her math and Robotics students to collaborate with one another, respect each other’s strengths and weaknesses, innovate in tough situations, build leadership experience, improve social interaction skills, and learn the highs and lows of competing. These are all skills necessary for personal growth and development, both in and out of the classroom.
St. Greg’s Team presented their robot design, and their use of the engineering design process to a panel of 5 experts. This year's theme was art, and teams were asked to create an innovative project to make art more interesting or accessible. St. Greg’s Team created a glove with buzzers that vibrate, prompting users to move their finger to the correct key on an instrument. Students learned Python, measured voltage, used resistors, LEDs and learned how to solder. The goal of their project was to allow those who struggle to learn music, to use the extra sensory input to recognize notes and have more success playing an instrument.
Robotics competitions generally consist of teams of students who design and build a robot of sorts, that can compete against opponents in a series of specific challenges. Students develop and program their robot, adhering to a list of preset rules and regulations. Student participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, robotics program, helping today’s students and teachers build a better future together. Robotics inspires youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding, and design skills through hands-on learning.
"We are incredibly proud of our Robotics students as they enthusiastically take on challenges and competition; they always rise to the occasion, persevere and work together as a team for the greater good," said Mr. Ted Luckett, Principal of St. Gregory the Great School. "Our faculty at St. Greg’s go above and beyond, using their talents to benefit and develop our students."
The success of our Robotics Team exemplifies St. Gregory the Great School's commitment to fostering a sense of leadership and confidence in our students, to give them the skills necessary to tackle today’s challenges. The school community looks forward to supporting Mrs. Fuerstinger’s Team as they continue to work hard, develop their robot and compete in future, more intense competitions.
In partnership with the parish community, St. Gregory the Great School dedicates itself to provide a quality academic foundation; to the formation of faith through knowledge and understanding of the church; to provide a spirit of welcome, compassion and reconciliation; and to encourage the generous development and sharing of our God-given talents.
For more information, please contact St. Gregory the Great School at (716) 688-5323 or [email protected], or visit the website at www.strgregsschool.org.
The success of our Robotics Team exemplifies St. Gregory the Great School's commitment to fostering a sense of leadership and confidence in our students, to give them the skills necessary to tackle today’s challenges. The school community looks forward to supporting Mrs. Fuerstinger’s Team as they continue to work hard, develop their robot and compete in future, more intense competitions.
In partnership with the parish community, St. Gregory the Great School dedicates itself to provide a quality academic foundation; to the formation of faith through knowledge and understanding of the church; to provide a spirit of welcome, compassion and reconciliation; and to encourage the generous development and sharing of our God-given talents.
For more information, please contact St. Gregory the Great School at (716) 688-5323 or [email protected], or visit the website at www.strgregsschool.org.