By Andrea McBride
Staff Writer
CARO — Caro Middle School’s new extracurricular activity has students challenging their minds like never before.
The robotics team, comprised of 12 students and two advisers, is preparing for its first competition Dec. 5 and 6. They will travel to Allendale to take part in a challenge sponsored by FIRST, an organization that aims to help young people gain science and technology knowledge while also improving skills such as leadership.
This year’s competition theme is called “Cascade Effect.” Prior to the competition, team members are expected to create a robot that follows specified rules. The robot must also fit within an 18-inch sizing cube, but it is permitted to grow larger once the competition commences.
At the competition, Caro Middle School’s robot will compete with other teams. The robot will be expected to complete a series of tasks, such as driving to certain destinations and scoring golf ball and baseball-sized balls into the appropriate goals.
The team will attend a second match Dec. 19 and 20 in Ortonville. They will gain points at each match to determine if they will advance to the state competition sometime next year.
Although the team officially started this fall, students attended high school level competitions and seminars during the summer to get a feel for what to expect.
High school science teacher Rob Peters is an adviser. He said academic extracurricular activities are an important opportunity, and he jumped at the chance to play a role in the robotics team.
“I was never really into sports, and this thing’s kind of right up my alley,” Peters said. “It’s kind of a sport for the mind – that’s what science is.”
Theron Nesbitt, who is a parent, serves as the team’s other adviser. He said programming and building are important ideas to emphasize, especially in Michigan with the constant construction of technology such as windmills.
He said he’s had recent personal interest in robotics and enjoys the opportunity to see students be a part of something important.
“I want to do it. I want to build a robot, and if I can’t build a robot I’m going to coach a team to build a robot,” Nesbitt said.
The team meets after school Tuesdays and Thursdays and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays to prepare for upcoming competitions.
Team member Catherine Anger said being a part of the robotics team gives her a valuable way to spend her extra time.
“I figured it would be something new to try so I have some more to do, so my schedule isn’t just sitting at home after homework,” Anger said.
Nesbitt said the response from the school and public since the team started has been positive.
“The more and more we talk about it, the more and more we’re being told that this is probably one of the best things that Caro has going on,” Nesbitt said.
Members sold LED light bulbs to raise funds to cover the costs associated with the competition. Grants and donations from local businesses and supporters have also contributed.
To donate to the robotics team, visit www.gofundme.com/carorobotics.