Mix hundreds of remote control robots, soccer, obstacle courses, a rock concert and cheerleaders, and you have the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Championships, April 15-17 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Salt Lake County’s 4-H robotics team, 3230 Prototype X, won the right to compete in the national championships by winning the regional championship in Las Vegas earlier in April. The Salt Lake area 4-H club-based team is comprised of coach Jim French, mentors Marcelle Smith, Jim Cook and Ed Gouffax, and team members Heath French, Jake Nelson, Danny Jackman, Kevin Smith, Mason McFarland and Brennan Beecher. The FIRST robotics gives high school-aged youths the opportunity to learn not only about engineering, but also to develop skills in communication, business, team work and web design. “The kids are learning about real-world applications,” said team coach Jim French. “They get a project, complete with deadlines, and are able to create a functional robot and have fun while doing it.” The team received a letter from Utah Gov. Gary R. Herbert congratulating them on their achievements as a rookie team building a championship competition robot. “Placing well in the FIRST Robotics Salt Lake Regional and then winning first place in completion at the FIRST Robotics Las Vegas Regional, as well as the Rookie All Star and the Highest Rookie Seed Awards, speaks well of the quality of youth and education in our state,” he said. The team is supported by a J.C. Penney Afterschool Fund grant.
<a href=””>4-H FIRST Robotics Team</a>
from
<a href=””>USU Extension</a>
on
<a href=””>Vimeo</a>
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<a href=””>Robotic “Breakaway” Competition explained</a>
from
<a href=””>USU Extension</a>
on
<a href=””>Vimeo</a>
.