This fall, Duanesburg High School students who are interested in pursuing a career in the sciences, technology, engineering or math (STEM) are encouraged to join the Capital Region Robotics Club.

Capital Region Robotics, known as Team 250, has operated at Colonie Central High Schools since 1999, however it is open to all Capital Region students. Each fall, up to 50 students from area high schools converge at Colonie to participate on the robotics team. Team mentors include professionals and skilled craftsmen from local companies, college students, and teachers who volunteer time to work with students in this hands-on program. Students focus on industrial safety, 3D visualization, mechanical fabrication/design, and industrial control/automation, while developing skills in critical thinking, problem solving, communication, public speaking, teamwork, time management, gracious professionalism, and other soft skills needed for business.

Team 250 recruits students in late September or early October. The Fall meetings are held on Thursday nights from 7-9pm. The Fall is dedicated to orientation, team building, and developing skills that are needed during the “build season”. The Team is divided into several focus areas: the primary ones being Animation, Programming, and Mechanical/Electrical. Within these areas students may specialize on a particular task, such as character development or texturizing in Animation, or working on a particular robot component or pneumatics. In addition there are opportunities for students to become involved in the comprehensive Safety Program, public relations, photography/videography, journalism and outreach activities.

Beginning in January, work sessions are added to the schedule. Work occurs seven days per week in January and February, however each of the focus areas set their schedule based on what they need to accomplish and the required timeframes. Nearly all Team work sessions occur in the evening or weekends since mentors are unavailable during the day.

The Team operates as an all volunteer effort. Mentors include technical professionals from local companies, many of whom are parents of current or former Team members, and former Team members who are college students also work with the Team.

There is no cost to join the Team, however participants must purchase safety glasses ($5) and a Team shirt ($15). In addition, the Team attends oen or two regional competitions, usually in Rochester and someplace a bit farther, such as Baltimore, Cleveland, or Philadelphia. It’s an important part of the Team experience, but not all students travel. Students cover their own travel costs, which are deliberately kept low.

Anyone interested in the program should contact Alicia Kirkpatrick, DCS High School Counselor, Grades 9-12. Students are also strongly encouraged to visit the FIRST website at www.usfirst.org for more information about the FIRST Robotics program. Download the Robotics Sponsor Sheet.