Bruin-Bots program expand to include sixth- through ninth graders

FIRST is a national nonprofit that encourages young people to explore science and technology by building robots that compete against one another. This year, Kellogg Community College invites sixth- through ninth-graders to join the Bruin-Bots team to be one of the FIRST competitors.

“With the increased emphasis on (science, technology, engineering, and math) STEM education in schools, the FIRST family of robotics competitions is a great vehicle to show youth that the sciences really are fun and exciting,” says Robb Cohoon, an adjunct instructor at KCC and coach of the Bruin-Bots.

The team begins practicing Oct. 23. The Bruin-Bots team is free to join and requires no special skills or knowledge. The first practice, during which there will be an opportunity for parents to sign release forms and meet the instructor, is 3:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Regional Manufacturing Technology Center, 405 Hill Brady Road, Battle Creek. The team will practice from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from Oct. 23 through Dec. 13.

For more information, contact KCC Lifelong Learning at 269-965-4134.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave
Source: Eric Greene, Kellogg Community College