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West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press.
REED CITY — The MiSTEM Network team in region 9 – west central Michigan – recently launched a new robotics practice facility to increase equity and accessibility for FIRST Robotics teams in the region. The effort demonstrates the partners’ commitment to cultivating a vibrant STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) ecosystem in Michigan.
“Educators, coaches and community partners in the region play an integral role in removing barriers so students can enjoy hands-on STEM learning,” said Megan Schrauben, MiSTEM executive director. “This robust partnership is a prime example of what is possible when educators and students feel empowered, and we work together to create a vibrant STEM ecosystem in our state.”
While connecting with area coaches and district administrators, MiSTEM Region 9 director Brian Dotson, based out of the West Shore Educational Service District, learned that many FIRST Robotics teams in the west central region did not have access to a full competition field necessary for the engineering process to test and revise. While there are some practice fields outside the region, many of them require a fee to use them during limited hours. Dotson compared this barrier to a basketball team not being able to step foot onto a court until game day.
“All students deserve to have the experience of testing their designs before competition,” said Dotson. “It’s so much more than a robotics practice facility. This space is giving kids a chance to expand their world and gain real life experience that is applicable beyond STEM.”
Since launching in February, several robotics teams from both inside and outside of the region have used the free, secure practice facility, including local students.
The Traverse City Titans robotics team was able to better navigate the FIRST challenge thanks to its practice time at the new facility, allowing members to advance in the FIRST competition. Access to the new facility was a critical success factor for the Traverse City Titans, who qualified for both the Michigan State Championship and the World Championship in Houston, Texas.
“Knowledgeable mentors, accessible practice facilities and ample resources for experimentation and building competitive robots are key for our students’ success,” said Dan Riehl, lead mentor for the Traverse City Titans. “We simply did not have the space or field elements at our school, and the new facility allowed us to simulate a number of autonomous functions and build a better robot ahead of the competition. On behalf of the entire TC Titans team, we are grateful for the efforts of the volunteers and sponsors for making this possible.”
Doston, who led the development of the secure practice facility, partnered with Reed City robotics coach Brad Smith, to secure funding and a suitable location. Smith connected Dotson to an executive with Reed City Group, a full-scale mold building, press making and plastic injection molding company based in Reed City, who offered to cover all building costs to provide the students with amenities including Wi-Fi, restrooms and heating and cooling.
“Reed City Group’s long-time sponsorship has made a significant impact on my students for the last 14 years,” said Smith. “Business partners like this are integral to providing students with quality, hands-on STEM experiences that inspire them to be the change makers of tomorrow.”
“Our executive team knows the value that robotics and STEM education brings to our community and continued talent needed in today’s automated world.” said Trevor Mund, vice president of finance & commercial management for Reed City Group. “We look forward to continued partnership with the Reed City robotics team and are welcoming many more teams to the new facility.”
While Reed City Group financially sponsored much of the facility development, Dotson underscored the project was truly a team effort: MiSTEM Network region 9 led the organizing, development and maintenance of the field and sponsored work days; West Shore ESD provided financial support and loaned equipment used for the field; Carter Lumber of Ludington donated stage field elements; Ferris State University loaned the wooden perimeter for use on the field; The Reed City robotics team Cyber Coyotes built much of the field elements including perimeter, speaker, amps and loading stations; Ludington Robotics, the O-Bots, built the center stages and secured funding from Carter Lumber of Ludington; Multiple local FIRST coaches built the field elements on the build day; and Mecosta-Osceola ISD instructional services team built the final field elements.
MiSTEM Region 9 is comprised of eight counties in four intermediate school districts in Michigan’s west central lower peninsula, including: Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Oceana, Osceola and Wexford counties. Their work supports STEM education and PK-12 students at Manistee ISD, Mecosta-Osceola ISD, West Shore ESD and Wexford-Missaukee ISD.
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