Students highlight software and hardware skills at NSU Robotics Competition

NATCHITOCHES - A team from Caddo Middle Magnet School in Shreveport won first place at Northwestern State University's Fall 2024 Robotics Competition and Structures Showcase (RC&S3) November 18. Second place went to Donnie Bickham Middle School in Shreveport and third to a team from the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts. 

More than 60 students from five schools participated. Robots were judged on speed, strength, accuracy and ability to navigate a maze. 

Jermaine Thomas, technology facilitator/coordinator at Natchitoches Junior High, was recognized with the STEM Teacher Award for contributions to STEM education, mathematics and computer literacy. Thomas built the school's robotics program from the ground up and supervised this year's team at the competition. 

Northwestern State's Department of Engineering Technology annually hosts the event to provide a forum for teams to test programming skills, network and maximize benefits of STEM activities designed around the theme Inspired by NASA's Robotics Alliance Project. All middle schools within a 200-mile radius are eligible to participate free of charge. The Smart Structures Show provides an opportunity for students to show their creativity, tour Department of Engineering Technology labs and classrooms and learn about STEM careers. 

Educators say robotics and participating in competitions helps build teamwork, problem-solving skills and confidence in the students. 

Information on NSU's Department of Engineering Technology is available at https://nsula.edu/engrtech/.

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Jermaine Thomas:
Jermaine Thomas, right, technology facilitator/coordinator at Natchitoches Junior High, was recognized with the STEM Teacher Award during NSU's Robotics Competition Nov. 18. Congratulating Thomas were Dr. Shahriar Hossain, left, head of the Department of Engineering Technology and Dr. Chris Lyles, direcotr of NSU's School of STEM. 
 

Eddie:
Amelia Turner and James White of Alexandria Senior High guided a robot named Eddie through a maze during Monday's Robotics Competition at Northwestern State University. 
 

Lilyan and Ella:
Lilyan Kent and Ella Gunnels from Donnie Bickham Junior High practice programmed their robot to pick up and move a ball to a central spot during the Robotics Competition at Northwestern State University. 
 

Jeeoh Bumgartner:
Jeeoh Bumgartner of Caddo Magnet Middle School tested the strength of his robot during Robotics Competition at Northwestern State University.