For those students who can't take a robotics course during the school day, or are just looking for an afterschool activity, JHS offers a Robotics Club.
The club, which is currently funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, is in its third year. Approximately 17 students meet twice a week with physics teacher Steve Propheter. A variety of students attend including future engineers or those simply curious to learn how to build robots. The club uses classroom equipment, however, students have more leeway in the projects they tackle.
''Having a robotics course or club is a great way to show students how science, and especially physics, works in the real world,'' said Mr. Propheter. ''Torque and momentum are all things that we use in the Robotics Club but also, basic planning from start to finish so that the robots works the way students intended. It is invaluable, hands-on applications of science and math.''
JHS sophomore Jessie Linamen is a member of the Robotics Club. He just recently received a scholarship to the NASA Space Camp.
''I took Robotics I and will take Robotics II,'' said Jessie, who has also taken Electricity and Information Technology. ''My dad bought me the LEGO Mindstorm robots as a kid and it's something I've loved ever since. I love math, science and computer programming and having the opportunity to take robotics courses and participate in the afterschool program has really given me my chosen career path, robotics engineering.''