Chairman's Award Team 3015 Print Close 2016 Team 3015 Team Number 3015 Team Name, Corporate/University Sponsors Xerox Corporation / United Technologies / Harris / Baxter & Spencerport High School Briefly describe the impact of the FIRST program on team participants with special emphasis on the 2015/2016 year and the preceding two to five years Being a part of 3015 allows students to explore potential STEM careers with the help of mentors in the field. We work together, challenge ourselves and inspire others. Our students experience the joy of giving through outreach and teaching events, igniting their desire to stay involved. Our progression of programs allows students to participate for many years. Students have been granted internships through our sponsors and college scholarships, including FIRST Scholarships totaling $684,000. Describe the impact of the FIRST program on your community with special emphasis on the 2015/2016 year and the preceding two to five years 3015 has cornerstone events that we have been a part of for years: Relay for Life, teaching STEM to children, Dreams From Drake, Special Olympics and Operation Holiday Cheer. These focus on our main initiatives of spreading FIRST, increasing STEM, and helping others. We continue to add partnerships such as Golisano Children's Hospital, Chalk the Walks, Ella's Extravaganza, Boy Scouts, Red Wings Game, Fireman's Parades, Day of Caring, Guardian Angels Food Drive and a Winter Clothing Drive. Team's innovative or creative method to spread the FIRST message We work with administrators and teachers to create lessons aligning to core curriculum. As members teach elementary students using hands on activities and problem based learning, we are role models, inspiring student interests in STEM and robotics. Our FIRST teams share experiences at our annual Robopalooza, a community awareness night with an FRC full field and interactive stations. We hold summer camps, teaching design, programming, electrical and mechanical aspects of robotics to students. Describe examples of how your team members act as role models and inspire other FIRST team members to emulate Our Ranger Pride shows through in all we do. Whether machining parts for others, working on the robot, helping teams in the pits, volunteering at community outreach or teaching STEM lessons, our leadership is evident. Cabinet and sub team leaders ensure integration, time management and communication. Our passion is contagious; each time 3015 shares our story (at board meetings, TV segments, or sponsor presentations) more students want to join the team! Describe the team's initiatives to help start or form other FRC teams This year we introduced Geneva High School students and parents to FRC, having them participate in our Saturday build sessions. We are sharing how we have involved our district to help them engage and gain support of their administration. We plan to write their NASA grant, as well as loan them our practice robot so they can compete in the RaChaCha Ruckus. Last year we wrote team 5254's NASA grant. We have also written the NASA grant for Northstar Christian Academy. Describe the team's initiatives to help start or form other FIRST teams (including Jr.FLL, FLL, & FTC) The excitement our FRC team ignited has paired with the strong foundation we built with mentors and sponsors. This created a vision for a progression of FIRST programs in the Spencerport School District. At STEM lessons and robotics camps students expressed interest in joining FIRST teams. Presenting to the school board resulted in approval to start 18 Jr.FLL, 12 FLL, and 2 FTC teams over the next several years. We have now started 1 FTC and 5 FLL teams and will begin Jr. FLL teams this fall. Describe the team's initiatives on assisting other FIRST teams (including Jr.FLL, FLL, FTC, & FRC) with progressing through the FIRST program 3015 actively works to engage teams. By hosting FTC and FRC kickoffs, we created partnerships with teams through workshops, Chairman's Chat and correspondences. Teams ask for advice, to machine their parts, and discuss
marketing strategies. We invite teams to our practice field, building the spirit of coopertition. We were chosen to Beta test, sharing what we learned at multiple events. A lead mentor hosts "FIRST Updates Now", a weekly web show about strategies, regionals and FIRST updates. Describe how your team works with other FIRST teams to serve as mentors to younger or less experienced FIRST teams (includes Jr.FLL, FLL, FTC, & FRC teams) At Kickoff we completed a rookie build with the Genesee Valley team. Our team members, alumni and mentors trained as the build occurred, ending the day with a working robot. Through this experience we developed a relationship which has led to regular correspondence. Our Chairman's Chat initiative has given us the opportunity to share documents and advice with other FRC teams. 3015 members mentor the FTC and 5 FLL teams we started, forming a culture of Ranger Robotics throughout our program. Describe your Corporate/University Sponsors United Technologies creates a range of high technology products for aerospace and building industries. Harris Corporation provides advanced technology based solutions to solve government and commercial challenges. Xerox manufactures and sells office equipment and provides business services, document management, and workflow solutions. Baxter International, Inc. sells hospital products, providing access to health in emerging and developed countries. Describe the strength of your partnership with your sponsors with special emphasis on the 2015/2016 year and the preceding two to five years We work to create relationships with our sponsors. Through weekly videoconferences with Dr. Schropfer, UTC sponsor, our team developed a successful integration plan for build season. Getinge and Kline both donate equipment and materials. We are arranging a demo at Harris for Engineering Week. Our sponsors know the capabilities of our students; Xerox and Harris awarded 4 internships to date. We send our sponsors updates and photos, inviting them to events. Ankom guest spoke at FRC kickoff. Describe how your team would explain what FIRST is to someone who has never heard of it FIRST is the "real deal" an opportunity to be an engineer, designing and creating a robot to play a coopertition game. Engineering engagement against industry type deadlines brings students as close to the professional world as possible. While working hard, students develop a passion they can't help but share. Community outreach becomes natural. The excitement of being part of a team, while applying classroom and industry knowledge, provides lessons and amazing memories. Briefly describe other matters of interest to the FIRST judges, if any In working to expand our impact, we have reached out to government. Peter Lawrence, New York State Assemblyman for the 134th district, has been very receptive and supportive. Lawrence has met with us to discuss STEM initiatives, potential outreach opportunities, and to learn more about FIRST. He has been an incredible support, cheering us on at Finger Lakes Regional and as a guest speaker at FRC kickoff. He appreciates us teaching younger students, granting us $2500 towards STEM initiatives. Team Captain/Student Representative that has double checked this submission. Mia Krolczyk Essay All aboard! The 3015 Express first rolled out of the station in 2009. Since then our train has added cars and laid track to new destinations. Hop on board and see what FIRST team 3015 is all about! With the train in home station ready to depart, the platform fills with parents and the Spencerport community. They play an important role in our success and support the team as our train moves onward. A board of education member says, "Robotics is one of our most beloved programs and has brought amazing opportunities to students and enriches the curriculum. It's simply inspiring." A teacher shares the benefits of robotics: "I love knowing that this team is helping them become more creative." Our goal is to create a cohesive robotics culture. The wheels of our train are students progressing through from Jr. FLL up to FRC. One parent commented, "These programs have made me a believer in FIRST. Kids learn to communicate and work with others. The transformation from beginning to end is incredible." Over the past 2 years our program expanded to 5 FLL, 1 FTC, and 1 FRC team. Our Superintendent was excited to have us present our success and our future plans to the school board. They approved a proposal to include 18 Jr. FLL, 12 FLL, 2 FTC teams and our FRC team. He stated, "It is the best authentic STEM opportunity that we provide to our students." Team 3015 has a strong engine consisting of a 5 student cabinet and 3 committed teachers. They work to increase integration, streamline efficiency and act as role models. 2 of the 3 teachers are Woodie Flowers Award winners. The support they provide is one of the main reasons our team runs smoothly. 74 team members make up the ever growing passenger car of this train. Over 20% is female. At the 2014 FRC World Championship, our female students had a conversation with Dean Kamen about recruiting women into FIRST
programs. After he solicited our input, we returned home eager to provide opportunities for girls to be excited about robotics. At a STEM lesson we were teaching, a young girl said, "The boys in my class think that only they can do certain things. On TV there are always boy scientists, but when 3015 comes, there are lots of girl scientists, and I always want to work with them. I can't wait to be a part of Robotics!" Even though we all have different perspectives, we are seen together wearing our cowboy hats and bandanas, showing our Ranger Pride. Experienced and knowledgeable alumni fill our other passenger car. One alumni shares, "Without being on 3015, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to start my own Robotics/STEM company. The skills I learned there made me work hard and let me make the connections I did. I am so thankful to 3015 for getting me started It is where my passion in STEM and robotics began!" 3015 encourages students to apply for FIRST scholarships, receiving $684,000 to date. Last year 100% of our graduates went on to college. 85% of them continued onto STEM futures. Sponsors and government assistance fill our fuel car. Having 20+ sponsors in the past 5 years allows us to improve robot design/construction, communication, increase our community involvement and further our knowledge of engineering. Videoconferences with an engineer from UTC allowed the integration team to monitor, adjust and streamline our schedule. We developed skills in Excel and project management through an integration plan. As we gained support from our local government, we connected with Assemblyman Peter Lawrence who is helping us spread our STEM initiatives. He shares, "I am proud to represent a district where STEM is a priority. The dedication from mentors, teachers and 3015 members is unparalleled. FIRST is about more than building robots. It's about building character, and that's what Team 3015 is all about." After the fuel car is a row of boxcars that show our passion for spreading FIRST and STEM. Our FIRST boxcar showcases how we spread the message of FIRST. For the past 2 years we ran an FTC kickoff, with breakout sessions. This year we took it to a new level and hosted the Western NY FRC kickoff at Spencerport High School (SHS). This event brought the energy of 35 teams and 800 participants to a new high. The planning committee, which included 3015 mentors and parents, engaged participants with a control systems workshop, Chairman's Chat, speakers, games, raffles and a rookie build. Our community outreach boxcar displays what 3015 does to inspire and help our community. This year we had our 1st annual Robopalooza at SHS, with a full field and interactive stations. Hundreds of people came, drove the robots, enjoyed a family night out, learned and were inspired. Our FIRST teams spread their passion to the community and future members of our program. A community member shared, "I had no idea the robotics team was so large; every member was anxious to share they have so much passion for what they are doing!" 3015 has established a partnership with Relay for Life, donating $5000 over 5 years to the American Cancer Society. A lead mentor's battle with cancer increased our desire to help. As a result of our team's efforts, we were asked to lead Survivor laps. We were honored to share our robot and desire to help others. An event coordinator stated, "People love when the 3015 leads our event around the track. Everyone asks if they're coming each year." Dreams from Drake unites kids who have lost a family member and gives them social support. At their annual fundraiser, we provided over 70 volunteers and helped raise $10,000. Drake's mom said, "I have seen the positive impact of 3015. They introduced and demoed robotics to over 1000 attendees and volunteered time and energy at the event to ensure its success. Their dedication to the wellbeing and improvement of the community is evident." We met Drake's brother when he was in 3rd grade and completely in awe of our robot. Now in 5th grade, he is part of our FLL team and loves when we teach STEM to his class. One of the most heartfelt events was visiting Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. Students visited a pediatric unit and let kids drive the robot. The kids were excited to learn, but we learned more about strength, courage, and hope. Each child reminded us that life is precious and it is easy to spread joy. Without robotics, this exchange of inspiration wouldn't have occurred. Essay page 2 During Spencerport's first Chalk the Walks, 3015 gathered to write inspiring quotes on village sidewalks. This team building event allowed us to work together before build season began. One parent said, "It blew me away to see what these minds can come up with. I took pictures because I never want to forget their thoughts and quotes." SHS was chosen for a TV news segment, Friday Morning Lights, and 3015 received a highlight segment alongside athletic programs. Team members were interviewed, the robot shot a Frisbee into the basketball hoop, and the crowd went wild. The D&C Newspaper also met with us, publishing an article commending our efforts, contributions, and inspiration. 3015 was featured in The Cornerstone, Suburban News, and Health Magazine. Ranger Robotics is becoming a household name! In our STEM boxcar, we are excited to share our passion for STEM as we teach young students. We meet with teachers to create lessons that align with the curriculum. 3015 goes out to the elementary schools and teaches hands on STEM lessons. Assistant Superintendent shares, "Members of 3015 team have developed and implemented problem based learning activities in all 4 elementary schools. These efforts serve to offer thought provoking learning opportunities for these students and reinforce real world connections to STEM. A benefit is having our SHS students serve as experts in this work as they own the direction of the learning and solidify their understanding as the teacher. These authentic learning opportunities need to be embraced and replicated, as we prepare students for college and career readiness." Our team advances our knowledge in CAD and systems review during training sessions known as Ranger Reboot. We ran 2 robotics camps which taught kids about programming and mechanical techniques. A member shares, "I learn something every day on 3015. I gain real experience from engineers, this team is a family. I love being a part of it!" On our journey, 3015 frequently stops at new train stations. At each stop, new teams looking for help and guidance jump on board. We currently mentor team 5947 with regular correspondence. At Kickoff, they spent the day with us
doing a rookie build, leaving with a working robot. We started a team at Northstar Christian Academy by writing a FIRST grant, and we continue to start teams, including one in Geneva. They have attended our Saturday build sessions to learn about robotics and we will submit a NASA grant for their FIRST registration. Our 22 mentors are the tracks our train needs. Their hard work and dedication keeps the team from derailing. These mentors volunteer their time each meeting, and volunteer at FIRST events. They are found helping with pit admin, FTC demos, field reset, robot inspection and game announcing. One of our mentors has helped us run a full practice field for the past 2 years. It is open to teams in the Greater Rochester Area and gives us the opportunity to improve and assist other teams. Our head mentor plays a vital role in NY FIRST, Finger Lakes Regional Committee and the Rachacha Ruckus. Another head mentor runs the weekly FIRST Updates Now webcast, assisting others with strategy, updates and competition results. As people sit at a railroad crossing, watching our train pass, they are in awe. Each car showcases our passion for STEM and FIRST. When they see these cars fly by, they realize what 3015 is and want to join us on our journey to inspire. A journalist shares, "If I could go back in time, I'd go to SHS to be part of their amazing FIRST robotics program!" All aboard! 2016 Team 3015 Picture 1 2016 Team 3015 Picture 2
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2016 Team 3015 Picture 4