Nearly 50 students took over the Idaho Statehouse on Thursday morning to kickoff the 2016-17 robotics season. Gov. Butch Otter signed a proclamation declaring the week of Aug. 7-13 Idaho Youth Robotics Week.
“It is the goal of Idaho’s education system to provide students with the technologically-advanced skills that will create the greatest opportunities for their future,” Otter said. “These foundational high-tech skills are often best acquired through exposure to hands-on, real-world educational environments.”
Idaho’s top three robotic teams — High Voltage Couch Bananas, Beauty Bot and the Beasts and Team Tator — were recognized for their national and international level of robotic competition during the 2016 season.
Students build robots with combined technical skills, creativity and innovation to solve real world challenges in a competitive environment.
“This is something you don’t learn in the classroom,” said Makenna Doramus, a sophomore at Vision Charter School, and team member on Beauty Bot and the Beasts. “You learn how to be a professional and compete graciously.”
Robotics teams are supported by Idaho based tech-businesses, foundations and the Idaho STEM Action Center, a division of the Governor’s Office.
