VTHS robotics team teaches girl scouts

VERNON — Recently, the Vernon Township High School Robotics Team hosted local Girl Scouts Troupe 96285 for fun activities focused on helping the Scouts earn their Robotics Badges in Showcasing, Programming and Building robots. They had opportunities to watch the robot, drive it, and build structures out of marshmallows and toothpicks, competing in challenges such as tallest building, “coolest” building, and more.
First, team members William Austin and Stephanie DeMattheis talked about the design process and the construction of the robot, as well as the game and what the robot does during those games. The girls were then broken up into four groups, three of which were sent to the marshmallow stations and the remaining one to the robot station. For the next hour and a half, the groups were cycled through and every group had the chance to be up close to the robot. The robot groups got to see exactly how the robot worked, the game rules, a demonstration of one of the main functions of the game, and even had the chance to drive it. The marshmallow groups built many different structures, some reaching over twelve inches in height without falling down. Other groups just wanted to see what kinds of designs they could make with the toothpicks and marshmallows. Throughout the visit, laughter and smiles abounded as the girls moved from one station to the next.
After each group had the chance to see how the robot functions and drive the robot, Mentor Mr. Keith McCotter taught the children about the impact of robotics and asked if any of the girls are interested in joining the team when they had the chance. Many girls responded that they would, so it seems that the robotics team may have many future members. Being the first time the robotics team had ever hosted this group, the event went very well. Showing the community the work that the robotics team does allows the team to become a more familiar name in the town. The more people that know about it, the more people who can help, and the better chance the team has to accomplish goals. These events are not only fun for the kids, but also for the members of the team. Throughout the event members were having fun, joining in on the activities, and talking to the girls and making friends. Overall, the event was a success.