Program overview
Whether they are completely new to robotics or have participated for many years, students in the High School have many avenues to grow intellectually and personally through the robotics program at ASL.
The robotics class is open to students of all skill levels and focuses on fostering both collaborative and individual growth, based on the FIRST Tech Challenge game presented each year. As an after-school program, students can participate in the FIRST FRC robotics competition, gaining experience in CAD, web design, fabrication, electronics, pneumatics, programming and game strategy.
Students of many diverse talents learn essential teamwork skills and have numerous opportunities for outreach and leadership both inside and outside the team. Students participating in the HS robotics program leave ASL well prepared for further study towards careers in STEM leadership.
High school faculty/staff advisors
Wendy Stallings
Chris Goff
Jan Ostman-Lind
Lesley Yeo
FIRST robotics competition
The HS robotics program participates in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), with a pre-season running from October-December. At this time, the team participates in basic skills and training exercises (machining, electronics, programming). Then, on the first Saturday in January, the FRC “game” of the season is announced via live webcast, and teams are tasked with a new problem where they may have to throw frisbees, launch balls, or do any other number of unique tasks.
After the “game” has been announced, students from around the world build robots to play the game in just six short weeks. Griffins 1884 and Phoenix 1797, the two ASL teams, then travel each March to compete at various locations around the globe.