Robotics competition nears

Students from 38 high school teams from seven states will compete at the Bayou Regional FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition March 17 to 19 at the Alario Center in Westwego, La. FIRST is a competition that teaches teamwork to students while immersing them in the world of engineering. The teams and mentors work to solve a common engineering problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard kit of parts. Teams from across the country then pit their robots against those of other schools in skills competitions. Competitions will be held Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. NASA and John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss., support FIRST by providing team coaches, mentors, training, judges, referees, a machine shop and other volunteers. Participants include 23 teams from Louisiana and eight teams from Mississippi. (Source: NASA, 03/15/11)