Eagles Take Flight to Spread Robotics
Contributed by Patrick Villar
Living their team motto “We build for a better tomorrow,” members of Chaminade “Eagle Engineering” traveled to Hawaii and New Zealand this past summer to share their fervor for robotics.
As participants of the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), “Eagle Engineering” recognizes that the thrill of robotic competitions can help spread excitement about science and technology among young people. By helping other schools jump start robotic programs; the Chaminade team hopes to spread this excitement throughout the nation, and across the globe.
After bringing FIRST to Hawaii during the summer of 2007, the “Eagle Engineering” team returned to the beautiful state this past summer with ten students, two mentors, and moderator Ms. Nancy McIntyre, where they held workshops throughout two weeks for teachers and students using small robots. Working with Chaminade University, the University of Hawaii, and Governor Linda Lingle of Hawaii and her staff, the team had another successful trip and were invited to host a third workshop in 2009.
Immediately after the Hawaii workshops, Ms. McIntyre and seven students then traveled to Auckland, New Zealand to help establish a robotics program for students in that country. Team members worked with Massey University and NASA engineers to develop New Zealand’s first robotics program for the younger “kiwi” generation. The team and other FIRST volunteers and staff taught almost 1,000 students, 150 teachers, and 100 engineers about the FIRST program and robotics. Over the course of two-week workshops, the team covered a variety of topics including computer design, mechanics, programming, safety, project management, and team strategy.
Members of the team also brought hands-on experience for students as they guided them through building their first robots for both FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FRC. Afterwards, the team hosted a robotics practice tournament where students competed for the first time with their robots.
“The trip to New Zealand was a great experience and a lot of fun,” said Mikhail Tan, ’09, “I enjoyed having the opportunity to travel to New Zealand and learn about the country and its culture.”
With a new school year underway, the "Eagle Engineering" team is back at their robotics headquarters in Chaminade and ready for another exciting season.