Team 3142: Aperture

Our high school team “opens” new and unique possibilities to students. Our robotics team provides students an exploration of twenty-first century careers and workforce, impressing upon them the importance of STEM, gracious professionalism, and service to the community. Our team members collaborate and conceptualize with engineers and mentors, who are employed in various companies, as well as members of our community that possess an expertise encompassing a multitude of disciplines. Upon the completion of the challenge allocated for the season, a dynamic and creative partnership is maintained well beyond the build season.

FIRST, the acronym for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,” is an organization founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen that inspires children and teens to become involved in science and technology. FIRST is a passionate form of robotics available to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade.

In January, a new competition is released to FRC teams each year. Teams are only allotted six weeks to construct a robot to fulfill the challenge. The first competitions begin in March, where teams compete in 2 district competitions, 1 regional (if qualified), and 1 world championship (if qualified). Students can also participate in non-build competitions, such as the Chairman’s Competition, where students present their team business-style, and Safety, where students incorporate safety protocols and procedures into their team’s operations.