Cy-Ranch HS robotics team prepares for regionals

published Feb. 11, 2011

Cypress Ranch HS is one of 500 high school teams being sponsored this year by JCPenney as part a multi-year goal to bring FIRST to more than 1,100 communities in the U.S.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a not-for-profit organization founded by Dean Kamen to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology by engaging them in innovative robotics competitions.

The Cypress Ranch Robotics Team is a second-year veteran team that will spend six intense weeks designing and building an original robot for the FIRST Lone Star Regional Competition scheduled for March 17-19 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

"Having our students involved in FIRST is not just about increasing educational opportunities in science and technology, but also instilling well-rounded life capabilities such as self-confidence, communication and leadership," said Sue Anne Weiser.

JCPenney's sponsorship of 500 FIRST teams this season marks the beginning of the company's philanthropic goal to introduce FIRST to more schools and communities throughout the U.S. and encourage greater participation among minority and female students.

The Cypress Ranch Robotics Team received this year's challenge -- a kit of parts made up of motors, batteries, a control system, a PC and a mix of automation components -- but no instructions. Working with professional engineering mentors, the team has six weeks to build a robot that can maneuver a field flanked by poles and earn points by hanging as many triangle, circle and square logo pieces on each pole as possible. Bonus points will be awarded for each robot that can hang and assemble logo pieces to form the FIRST logo as well as deploy a 'mini-bot' to climb vertical poles positioned within the middle of the field.

Competitions measure the effectiveness of each team's robot and the students' ability to collaborate effectively.

MORE ULTIMATECYFAIR GALLERIES

Harris County Precinct 4 Parks Department installs irrigation along new trail

The Harris County Precinct 4 Parks Department recently helped lay 3 miles of irrigation pipe...

Filed under: News

Benoit named January Ambassador of the Month

Haven Benoit, from Westpark Communications, was named the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce's January Ambassador...

Filed under: News

Bus Buddies assist riders during first week of school

The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce and Volunteers in Public Schools kicked off the school...

Filed under: News

Cy-Fair contest-winning mural on display at Orange Leaf

A contest-winning mural designed by a Salyard's Middle School student is now on display at...

Filed under: News

Houston Family Arts Center performers earn gold at national competition

The Houston Family Arts Centers Performance Team and individuals won several awards at the Starbound...

Filed under: News

Alodia Sports Academy to offer summer basketball camps

Alodia Sports Academy will be offering 31 basketball camps this summer in the Houston area. ...

Filed under: News

First Wine Fair Cy-Fair event hailed as success

More than 1,400 guests attended the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce's first Wine Fair Cy-Fair food...

Filed under: News

Reach Unlimited opens 17th group home

The nonprofit support services agency Reach Unlimited recently opened its 17th group home, located in...

Filed under: News

Cypress Ranch Key Club earns volunteer service award

Fifty-one Cypress Ranch Key Club members, a parent and a faculty advisor received President's Volunteer...

Filed under: News

See buildings implode at Lone Star College-University Park

Lone Star College held a controlled demolition of two buildings Sunday at its University Park...

Filed under: News

See more photo galleries