Illinois State University Technology and Engineering Collegiate Association (TEECA) members were in attendance at the District 214 and 211 Robot Rumble (Battle Bots) competition on February 23 and 24. The Robot Rumble was hosted by Buffalo Grove High School, in Buffalo Grove. Students worked in teams to design, fabricate, and assemble robots to compete for battle.
Battle Bots competition cage
“At the D214 Robot Rumble, we had a marvelous time interacting with students, parents, and alumni. It was amazing to see the power of ISU’s technology and engineering education current students and alumni come together to make this event possible,” said TEECA President Josh Katz. “Viewing the completion of these student’s robots showed how much time and dedication they put into it. In the future, teaching graphic communication, engineering courses, and robotics is my primary goal. Going to this event prepared me to learn from current teachers on how to instruct robotics classes.”
Before coming to Illinois State University, technology and engineering education student Jordyn Imana started a robotics team at Hinsdale Central High School. She searched for sponsors, equipment, and funding and recruited students to the team. The first year, the Hinsdale team received the Rookie All-Star Award at the Midwest Regional Competition.
Snap Cube advertisement on the Technology and Engineering Collegiate Association recruitment table
“Allowing students to participate in a robotics competition is a great way for them to gain hands-on learning and develop interpersonal skills with their peers,” Imana said. “The work that goes into designing, building, and modifying a robot is an incredible multidisciplinary learning opportunity for the students involved, and it’s a growing area in technology and engineering education. I would love to teach robotics in the future, along with CAD, graphics, and architecture.”
The technology and engineering education students were at the Robot Rumble to assist the competing teams with technical issues, as well as, recruit future Illinois State students.
“The 2017 Robot Rumble was where I was recruited to join TEECA myself,” Hannah Heskin said. “It was a cool experience to be on the recruiting side this year. I am unsure of where technology and engineering education will take me, but I hope to be involved with activities as fun as this one.”
District 211 schools represented were Palatine, Fremd, Conant, and Hoffman Estates High Schools. District 214 schools represented were Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove, John Hersey, Prospect, Rolling Meadows, and Wheeling High Schools.
