BOTBALL HAWAII REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

This past Saturday 35 of Hawaii's middle and high school teams competed in the annual Hawaii Botball Regional Tournament. This year's overall winner is Hanalani Schools. Wahiawa Middle School came in second.

Congratulations to all the teams on a great season.

http://www.khon2.com/content/news/developingstories/story/Student-teams-duke-it-out-at-Hawaii-Regional/-yDwhMC5yEm6GmL7KcVBhQ.cspx

FIRST CHAMPIONSHIPS CONCLUDES

Hawaii High School Wins Prestigious Award at World Robotics Championship

Kalani High School recognized for outstanding outreach into the community

HONOLULU - After an exciting three days of competition, the 2012 FIRST Championship robotics competition ended today with Kalani High School receiving the Making FIRST Accessible Award. The Kalani Falcon's outreach into the community and ability to introduce robotics to new people of all ages, were a few of the reasons they recieved the award. Total, seven Hawaii High Schools competed in the event in St. Louis, from April 25-28. Waialua High and Intermediate, Kealakehe High School, Island Pacific Academy, Punahou School, Baldwin High School, Kalani High School, and Kohala High School competed at the Edward Jones Dome.

All of the teams competed well in their division, and Waialua High School made it to the semifinals of the Archimedes division, representing Hawaii well. Waialua has won the FIRST Hawaii Regional two years in a row, and was awarded the 2011 Championships Chairman's award last April.

"The interest in STEM education that this program instills is not only important for preparing these student for their future careers, it is important for Hawaii, as they are future leaders of our state. Hawaii has a bright future ahead with these students at the helm," said Corrie Heck, Hawaii ROC Coordinator. "To say the least, Hawaii can be proud with how these students represented our state."

The teams will be flying back to Hawaii tomorrow, and preparing for the next robotics competition at the Hawaii Botball Tournament on May 12 at the Hawaii Convention Center.

For more information, visit: usfirst.org and hawaiiroc.org.

Aloha!

Recognizing the importance of promoting robotics at an early age and sustaining students' interest in STEM education throughout their schooling, Hawai`i's six robotics programs have joined together to form the Hawai`i Robotics Organizing Committee. This is the first time all six of the robotics programs are coordinating efforts to promote robotics education in elementary, middle and high schools statewide.

As a critical component of the Hawai`i Innovation Initiative, robotics engages students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and provides them with the teamwork, critical thinking and problem- solving skills they need to compete in the 21st century workplace. We believe that by strengthening these aptitudes and abilities in our young people, we will build a brighter future for our state.

Read the latest news, view photos and learn how you can get involved!

Grant Opportunity

Friends of Hawaii Robotics is offering grants to schools involved in robotics. Through robotics, future world leaders can be engaged in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). We strive to provide the utmost support for our robotics teams and seek to offer a long-term sustainable future for these life-changing programs.

Click here to learn more about the Friends of Hawaii Robotics Grant

I Heart Robots!

Robotics education is making a difference for Hawaii's students and is laying the ground work for our state's future success. Share thismessage with your friends and family by ordering from the exclusive, first-run "I Heart Robots" merchandise.

Click here to view and order the merchandise