ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, M.D. -- An Army-sponsored team of 36 local high school students will be participating in the Chesapeake Regional FIRST Robotics Competition at the Baltimore Convention Center, March 8-10.
Headquartered at Aberdeen High School in Harford County, Team 1980, or "The Brigade," is sponsored by the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command's communications-electronics RD&E center -- CERDEC -- where the students constructed their robot in lab space under the mentorship of U.S. Army engineers.
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, or FIRST, is a national organization that encourages students to take part in the ever changing environment of STEM: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The theme for this year's competition is "Rebound Rumble," a robotics basketball game. The winning team will advance to compete in the FIRST Championship at Saint Louis, Mo.
The Brigade is one of two teams in this regional being sponsored by U.S. Army RDECOM. Mentors from the Army Research Laboratory worked with Team 3941, also known as "Absolute Zero Electricity." Though this is the first time either organization has sponsored an FRC team, both are heavily involved in developing and supporting programs that promote STEM education in the community.
Representatives from both U.S. Army RDECOM organizations will be available from 11 -- noon, Friday, March 9, at the competition to speak about the Army's efforts to support STEM education -- including local programs. B-roll footage chronicling the building of the robot and featuring interviews with students and their U.S. Army mentors will also be available upon request.
Interested media should contact Edric Thompson by NLT Thursday, March 8: edric.v.thompson.civ@mail.mil.
Related Links:
CERDEC Sponsors FIRST Robotics
U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command
Team 3941, Absolute Zero Electricity
Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center
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