Who are we?

So, who exactly are the Lawrence Gearheadz? The short answer is that the Gearheadz are a high school robotics team that competes in the national FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) competition. FIRST and Lawrence Gearheadz Robotics Team teach students important technical knowledge and skills in management and public relations. Team involvement also strengthens students' life skills, such as organization, hard work, and dedication. While the Gearheadz Robotics Team works throughout the entire year, the robotics competition does not go on all year. In January, the new rules of the annual competition are announced. The high school students work with engineers, teachers, and other mentors to construct a robot that plays the task FIRST designs for the competition. The catch is that each team is given a difficult problem to solve and not enough time or resources to do so. Each team gets merely six weeks to complete the finished robot, after which they will compete in regional or national competitions. FIRST and the Gearheadz truly get kids motivated and interested in science and technology. The programs affect everyone involved, including teachers, advisors, sponsors, and the community. While it is a tremendous amount of work, it pays off tenfold. Students learn about mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, administration, computer animation, website design and more than anything, to work together to accomplish goals. Also, students get the opportunity to apply for scholarships designed for FIRST participants.

We are becoming a recognized student organization in the Lawrence Public Schools System. Students are provided with an intense educational experience which teaches practical skills impossible to communicate in the classroom environment. In addition to providing real-world design and manufacturing experience, involvement in the team develops project management and business skills. The team also gives students the opportunity to work closely with engineers and other mentors. We do have fun and at the same time learn important skills that will help students be active participants in the making of this marvelous country.

Our Team

Our team consists of 25 students and 13 mentors for the 2006 season. Although membership is opened to any student of the High School, students are required to follow the policies established in our handbook. We are very proud of representing our school. Dedicated student members of Team 1289 will ensure the continued success of the Gearheadz. While new to the FIRST robotics community, the Gearheadz have been extraordinarily successful and hope to flourish in the coming years.

Achievements

The Lawrence Gearheadz participated successfully in its first Robotics competition. We garnered two awards at the 2004 Manchester Regional Competition—The “Rookie Inspiration Award” for our ability to recruit students to engineering; and the “Highest Seeded Rookie Team.” Some of our team members have been awarded scholarships because of their participation in the Robotics Competition.

In the 2005 Season, the Robotics Team was awarded the Judge's award for our unique way of celebrating science and technology. We are really proud that the FIRST organization believes we will be competing for the championship this year.