Why Should I Take Robotics and Engineering in High School?
Interview with a student on why he took Robotics and Engineering in high school.
Robotics and engineering teaches problem solving and is enjoyed by many students in all grades.
Michael Millord said, “now I analyze the problem first to understand all aspects of it before I try to solve it.”
How has learning about robotics changed your perspective on how you learn in your other classes?
I tend to analyze the problem and attempt to understand all aspects of it before I try to solve it.
How will learning robotics help you in the future?
It’s helped me to start thinking in a manner where you plan before you actually do the task and it’s a very good skill that everyone should learn. It is a more effective way of solving problems and you can use it as a preventative measure.
How difficult was it to change your thinking to think like an engineer?
At first it was pretty difficult. I had to actually stop myself from jumping straight into the conclusion in order to plan for what I would do. After more practice, though, it became natural to me.
What were robotics competitions like?
The competitions are very fun. There are always a lot of motivated people that take pride in their robot and are all really into the competition. Everyone is also fun to talk to and you can definitely feel the intensity in their tone and expression towards the competition. It feels just like a sport – like two basketball teams were playing against each other.
Do you meet other students at different schools in robotics?
Yes, in fact, between St. Petersburg and Tampa, there are over 35 robotics teams.
How did you come up with the robot design?
We designed our robot very similar to a forklift, because the major part of the competition is to be able to lift small crates.
What was your responsibility in the design?
I was the programmer. I made the code that told the robot what to do in the tournament for both the Autonomous and TeleOp periods.
Do you recommend robotics?
I absolutely recommend it. Robotics is very informative and it teaches physics, mechanics, problem solving, programming, electronics, and teamwork. It’s also tons of fun.
What other activities do you enjoy?
I’m part of the Armed Exhibition Drill Team and Battalion Staff of my school.
What do you want to go to college for?
I want to become a medical doctor and hopefully go into cardiology.
Michael is a high school student at a day and boarding school in St. Petersburg, Florida called Admiral Farragut Academy.
