Stemming from a recent interview with Allen Robotics Coach Greg Burnham, we delve into the triumphant journey of the Allen High School Robotics Team, a formidable force in competitive robotics. Recently securing victory at the UIL Large School State Championship in BEST Robotics, the team showcased their prowess in navigating intricate challenges and fostering a community of collaborative problem solvers.
Navigating Team Size Challenges: Under the strategic guidance of team leaders Graham Gadd and Coach Burnham, the team capitalized on their size, turning it into both an asset and a challenge. Confronted with the theme of robotics surgery, students successfully distributed tasks, enhancing teamwork and granting each member a sense of ownership.
Diverse Skill Sets and Real-World Preparation: Coach Burnham emphasizes that robotics, hailed as a "sport of the mind," demands a diverse skill set. From STEM expertise to soft skills, students find their niche, mirroring the complexities of real-world work environments. Failure is embraced as an integral part of the learning process, shaping resilient problem solvers ready for future challenges.
Collaborative Design Process: Initiating the design process with a multitude of voices — up to 80 students and mentors — the team engages in systematic discussions and group divisions. By week two, a cohesive design emerges, showcasing complementary systems that give them a competitive edge in the robotics arena.
Continuous Learning and Community Engagement: Beyond technical aspects, effective communication and collaboration are vital. The team utilizes management tools, conducts team-building activities, and promptly addresses conflicts, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie during the extensive hours spent together.
Balancing Time and Commitments: Acknowledging the time-intensive nature of building a robot within tight competition deadlines, the team finds the delicate balance. Students discover their limits and capabilities, providing valuable lessons in time management and commitment.
Community Outreach and Future Goals: Coach Burnham sheds light on the team's active engagement with the community, participating in arts festivals, STEAM nights and inclusive programs like Unified Robotics. Looking ahead, the team aims to expand its impact by adding an additional robot to the competitive team and nurturing elementary robotics programs within the district.
The Allen High School Robotics team's journey, gleaned from Coach Greg Burnham's insights, serves as a testament to their resilience, collaborative spirit and commitment to shaping future problem solvers in the ever-evolving field of robotics. With triumphs in hand and aspirations for the future, this team stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the world of competitive robotics.
Their interpersonal, social, emotional, and STEM skills develop in a safe environment where failure just means we revisit the circumstance, adjust course and try again.
