The North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC) and North Penn High School (NPHS) Robotics Team, the Gearaffes, recently competed at the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Mid-Atlantic District Championship at Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy and placed first, earning them a spot at the FIRST Regional Competition Competition at Lehigh University in early April.
The NPHS Robotics Club is made up of students in grades nine through 12. Most of the students on the team attend NPHS and a few are dual enrolled in both North Penn and the North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC). The remainder of the students on the team attend NMTCC and come from sending schools including Wissahickon, Methacton, Perk Valley and Souderton high schools.
The Robotics Club teaches students programming using Java, Electrical, Pneumatic, Machining and Computer Aided Drawing (CAD). The students learn from Engineering Mentors from companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, American Airlines and Philadelphia Scientific. The team meets three times a week and is supported by donations from the industry as well as fundraising. They put their skills and practice to the test at the FIRST Mid-Atlantic District Championship at Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy in March. The team took first place earning them a spot at the FIRST Regional Competition Competition at Lehigh University, and earned the esteemed "Excellence in Engineering" Award.
Congratulations to the NMTCC/NPHS Gearaffes and best of luck at regionals!