Students at Sandwich Central School were in for a treat on Monday when the Lakerbots robotics team from Inter-Lakes Middle/High School paid them a visit. Led by Principal Amanda Downing, the Lakerbots team aimed to inspire the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers.
The team, consisting of Hayden Brunelle, Danielle Cornelissen, Leo Kusch, Mason Lakis, and Caleb Theriault, presented to the eager students, sharing the skills they had developed and the challenges they had overcome in their robotics journey. Instead of quoting team members directly, a descriptive sentence was used to capture their experiences.
A highlight of the visit was the demonstration of the team’s robot, Rattlesnake, which had participated in the previous year’s First Robotics Competition. The students watched in awe as Rattlesnake showcased its capabilities, earning the admiration of future engineers.
High School teacher Joe Derrick, the Lakerbots’ lead mentor, expressed his enthusiasm for increasing access to STEAM education for all members of the community. By exposing students to real-world engineering challenges, technical skills, and amazing experiences through the Lakerbots, Derrick hopes to inspire a passion for STEAM subjects in students from diverse backgrounds.
The Lakerbots’ dedication to community service was evident as they announced their upcoming visit to the New Hampshire Veterans Home in December. They plan to spread holiday cheer through caroling and a robot demonstration, showcasing their robotics skills while honoring the veterans.
Principal Downing commended the Lakerbots for their role as ambassadors and role models for Inter-Lakes. Their love for robotics and their willingness to share their knowledge with younger students make them valuable contributors to the school community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is STEAM education?
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It is an interdisciplinary approach to education that incorporates these subjects into a cohesive curriculum, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
What is the First Robotics Competition?
The First Robotics Competition is an annual international robotics tournament for high school students. Teams of students design, build, and program robots to compete against each other in various challenges.
What is the New Hampshire Veterans Home?
The New Hampshire Veterans Home is a facility that provides long-term care and support to veterans in New Hampshire. It offers residential, medical, and rehabilitative services to honor the veterans’ service to the nation.