Robotics Competition at Blacksburg High Showcases “Co-opetition” and Future Workforce Skills
Blacksburg High School is currently hosting a regional FIRST Robotics Competition, bringing together thirty teams from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. This weekend’s event highlights a unique approach to competition – “co-opetition” – where teams collaborate and assist each other, even as they strive for victory.
Beyond the Build: Cultivating Essential Skills
The competition isn’t solely about designing and building robots. Organizers and participants emphasize the development of crucial soft skills highly valued by employers. These include communication, professionalism, and the ability to articulate ideas effectively to judges and potential employers.
“They’re getting interviewed and talking to judges through both days of the competition,” explained Farish Perlman, the event manager. “You’re really learning that other piece of how to represent not only yourself but your team and being able to have those higher-level conversations with adults.”
A Culture of Mutual Support
The spirit of “co-opetition” is evident in the way teams interact. Brennen Dovie, a Blacksburg High senior, noted the satisfaction of helping other teams overcome technical challenges. “Everybody knows what it’s like to have something break on your robot, and being able to facilitate other teams through that is really satisfying.”
Reece Masri, a Christiansburg High senior and team captain, echoed this sentiment, stating that assisting a rival team can be just as rewarding as winning. “It makes us feel excellent that we’re able to help them compete their hardest. But similarly it just feels good for us to be able to say, hey, we helped you.”
Real-World Applications and Industry Connections
Students are recognizing the direct link between the skills honed in the competition and the demands of the modern workforce. Serena Savla, a Blacksburg High junior, highlighted the opportunity to interact with employers and showcase their projects. “We actually get to talk to employers and advise them about what we’re making. It’s really similar to what they do sometimes.”
Masri added that participation in the competition has demonstrably improved his resume and interview skills. “Not only has doing this improved my public speaking skills and allowed me to do interviews, but it’s also built up my technical skills to allow me to present a very good resume.”
The Value of Hands-On Problem Solving
Michael Collver, the robotics program lead teacher, emphasized the unique learning experience provided by the competition. “It’s one thing for a student to demonstrate on paper or in some academic setting their understanding of a concept, but to be able to solve what to them is a real-world problem — that makes all the difference in the world.”
The competition continues Sunday, March 29th, at Blacksburg High School, with admission free to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to observe the competition and participate in hands-on activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “co-opetition”? It’s a blend of competition and cooperation, where teams help each other succeed even while competing against each other.
Is the event open to the public? Yes, admission to the final day of competition is free.
What skills do students gain from participating? Students develop technical skills in robotics, as well as essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Where can I uncover more information about the event? You can find more information at https://www.nrvfirst.com/events/frc-tournament.
What age groups participate in FIRST Robotics? FIRST offers programs for students of all ages, from elementary school through high school.
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