STEM Education
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is introducing the next generation of engineers to the next generation of manufacturing by working with student teams from regional high schools to create prototypes, components, and working systems to support entries in the FIRST Robotics Competition, a nationwide event that promotes science and engineering among high school students.
The intense six-week "build" period is spent constructing the most efficient robot. From that experience, the students learn to work collaboratively, experience real world application of classroom curriculum, and develop invaluable problem-solving skills. Partnership with mentors allows students to explore career opportunities while establishing lasting contacts with engineers in the community.
2012 teams working with ORNL include
- Hardin Valley Academy (Team HVA RoHawktics) – 2012 Smoky Mountains Regional Engineering Excellence Award; 2012 Peachtree Regional Engineering Excellence Award
- Oak Ridge High School (Team Wildbots) – 2012 Smoky Mountains Regional Top Rookie All Star Award and 2012 FIRST Championship contender
- Knoxville Catholic High School (Team Robotichauns)– 2012 Smoky Mountains Regional Top 5 among competitors
- Farragut High School (Team Farragut Flagship)
- Webb School of Knoxville (Team Webb Robotics) – 2012 Smoky Mountains Regional Woodie Flowers Finalist Award
- Gibbs High School (Team Eagles)
- L&N STEM Academy (Team Gryphons)
- Seymour High School (Team Eagletrons) – 2012 Smoky Mountains Regional Top 5 among competitors