Southside Academy Students to Compete in STEM-Focused Robotics Challenge

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Jan. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Eighth-grade students from Southside Academy Charter School are set to compete in the annual CNY VEX IQ Robotics competition at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) on Jan. 26 at 9 a.m. 

The three teams from the school – The Bionic Four, the Lego-Formers, and Let's Get These Bolts – are members of Southside's first robotics club, which began at the beginning of the school year. The teams focus on learning hands-on STEM curriculum to help prepare them for future technology-related jobs.

"Being on the robotics team has helped the scholars grow in so many ways," said Ashley Schinto, seventh- through eighth-grade science teacher at Southside. "This opportunity allows the students to build their self-esteem and become more confident in themselves and others. It opens their eyes to different ways of life and experiences."

The competition will require the teams to use a VEX IQ kit to build and program a robot and complete a task with that robot. Each kit includes gears, wheels, and accessories that allow the students to fully customize their robot.

"The goal of all of the MOST's outreach competitions is to empower as many students in Central New York as possible to get hands-on with STEM topics that will enhance and support their education," said Lauren Kochian, president at the MOST. "It's wonderful to welcome a record number of student teams for this year's robotics competition at the MOST."

Members of the public are invited to attend the competition and complimentary admission will be offered until 10 a.m., regular exhibit admission rates will apply at 10 a.m.

About Southside Academy:
Southside Academy is a free, public charter school serving students in kindergarten through eighth-grade in the Syracuse area. For more information, visit southsidecharterschool.org.

SOURCE Southside Academy