Robotics challenge to kick off this week

From staff reports

The 10th annual Grove City College BEST Robotics will begin Saturday as students from area middle and high schools begin work on their animatronic entries for this year’s contest.

On Saturday, students will learn about the competition and be supplied with materials to build their robots. This year’s theme is “Off the Grid.” Materials are provided by sponsors.

The competition is part of BEST Robotics Inc., a nationwide, nonprofit volunteer organization whose mission is to inspire youths to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology through competition.

The program is free and open to all students of public, private and home schools. Students from more than a dozen area schools are expected to take part in the competition.

Teams also will make marketing presentations detailing their robot’s design, construction and mission. Teams are judged both on the performance of their robots and the presentations.

Game Day is Oct. 12. Marketing presentations will be made Oct. 11 during a trade show-like event at the college. The BEST buildup also includes a demonstration on Sept. 28 at Ross Park Mall near Pittsburgh. Winners of the Grove City College event will go on to regional competition.

For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, call the Office of Development at Grove City College, (724) 458-2991 or go to www.gcc.edu/best.