Robot games

There is a buzz happening at Fort Richmond Collegiate. Every lunch hour, a group of skilled students comes together in the school's Makerspace to stretch their minds and create.

Grade 11 student Alex Slater is one of the unofficial club's regulars and has just returned from competing in the Manitoba Robot Games.

"We made it to the finals," shared Slater who has been building robots since grade 7; a passion that was first introduced by Acadia teacher Mr. Thorlakson.

"There is so much troubleshooting involved. I like the hands-on working with it all. But it can also be very stressful," said Slater.

Fellow Makerspace enthusiast, Kieran Buchberger, went to cheer Slater on during the Robot games and was instantly inspired.

"I noticed the community right away. Everyone is supportive and asking how you created what you did. It was a sense of community and now I am hooked," said the grade 10 student.

Teacher-librarian Jo-Anne Gibson is impressed that in only a few short months since the space was created, the group has taken the opportunity to truly connect and share ideas. "They are their own bosses; they look to each other to create new challenges and solve problems as they arise. I have seen such a transformation in some of the students as they have taken on a leadership role in the club. Encouraging one another to get involved (like the recent robot games) and try new things is what the club is all about."

A number of the students, including Slater, are now exploring career options in technology. Gibson believes opportunities such as the Makerspace will give them an edge moving into their lives after high school.

"Given the increasing importance of technology and robotics in our daily lives, the skills that the students are acquiring in the makerspace/robotics club are invaluable. Most people just use technology – these students are learning how technology works from the ground up."

Learn more about Manitoba Robot Games