High school students take on robot challenge

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Story Published: Jan 4, 2009 at 2:55 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 4, 2009 at 11:51 PM MDT

By Hasti Taghi

AMMON - What if I told you to build a robot with the contents of these boxes? One that could walk on the moon?

No, you don't have to an engineer, just a high school student with lots of ambition. On Saturday, high schoolers from our region joined thousands from across the country to do just that. Compete in the world-wide, "F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Competition."

"Our school is a charter school that focuses on math, science and engineering so it's right up our alley," says engineering instructor, James Baker.

Students and advisers at InTech Collegiate High School in Logan, Utah are competing for the first time, with high hopes.

"I'm hoping it will really set our school apart because it's already unique," says Baker.

Team Megabots raised more than $5,000, drove all the way to Ammon, and began their six week journey to build a Robot. The rules, use these materials to build a functioning robot and a website, showcasing your work.

"It really gets the students working together and helps them get the engineering skills they'll need as they get older," says Baker.

Working together every day as they build a functioning robot that will walk on a surface similar to the moon's.

"I'm just overwhelmed right now by all that we have to do," says Baker.

"This is our first year so it's a learning year," says student Jens Trauntvein.

But even as the rookie team competes against returning ones, they have great hopes for their robot and walking away with more than just a prize.

"We're gonna do a project in six weeks that sometimes takes years in the real world," says Trauntvein.

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