It's said it takes a village to raise a child. This is also true for supporting academic and collaborative success in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math skills (STEM). For many K-12 students in Michigan, the MiSTEM Networks helps make this happen.
MiSTEM is a statewide initiative designed to promote and strengthen these critical skills.
Local MiSTEM Region 9 Director Brian Dotson is a busy administrator indeed, as he is responsible for eight counties in West Central Michigan, including the West Shore ESD's service area of Lake, Mason, and Oceana counties.
"We connect local schools, businesses, and organizations to heighten hands-on learning, real world problem-solving, and career readiness," said Mr. Dotson. "We're active in programs like FIRST Robotics, STEM teacher training, and other project-based learning opportunities. Our future depends on a skilled and innovative workforce and we're fortunate to have a number of caring community partners and sponsors working alongside us."
For example, UACJ Whitehall Industries provided a full-sized indoor practice field onsite for area high school FIRST Robotics teams to prepare for their upcoming competitive season.
A $27,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Mason County allowed the purchase of an official perimeter for this field, fully in keeping with the specifications required by FIRST Robotics for strength and safety.
With the West Shore ESD leading the way, additional support was contributed by the Doctors Ruth and John Carney Education Fund and
House of Flavors, Inc. This enhanced the sustainability of the practice facility and also made sure high school robotics teams would have the necessary game elements available.
"I can't thank our sponsors and partners enough," said Brian. "What they've done for our robotics students and their mentors is amazing."
The roster of partners and sponsors supporting the practice facility is a large one. On the list are the WSESD's CTE welding and IT Networking classes, West Shore Bank, Ferris State University, and Carter Lumber in Ludington.
Even the GEMS Robotics Team from Brighton near Ann Arbor donated robotics parts, batteries, and chargers.
"It would be impossible to calculate all of the hours our volunteers contributed to make this practice field a reality," said Brian.
Having a regular practice facility is important because every high school robotics team must adhere to strict parameters outlined by the international FIRST Robotics organization. There are many details to follow, covering specifications for size, weight, power, electrical components, motors and actuators.
Effective communication about FIRST Robotics, properly using software, and adherence to the game rules are essential, too.
“Every category in STEM is incorporated into FIRST Robotics," said Brian said. “There are physics, mechanics, electricity, pneumatics, computer science (Java, C++ or Python coding), engineering, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, design, and so much more. Every field is necessary to plan and build out a robot capable of competing according to very high standards."
Is there anything else involved?
"There is!" said Brian. "The concept of 'Gracious Professionalism' is foundational to everything we do in FIRST Robotics."
