AIM/AROW 2010
U.S. COAST GUARD ACADEMY, Conn. - High school juniors from across the U.S. competed in the Academy Robotics on the Water competition July, 23, 2010 in Billard Hall at the Coast Guard Academy.
For the past seven years, a robotics competition has been the centerpiece of the Academy Introduction Mission, a program designed to give potential cadets a chance to experience the Academy and its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math program.
During the AROW program, teams of students design and build radio controlled floating robots that compete in a 10 foot by 10 foot water filled arena. During competitions, teams have four minutes to earn as many points possible as they pilot their robotic crafts through completion of various Coast Guard mission oriented tasks. To be successful groups must be strategic, think critically and demonstrate superb teamwork.
A key component of AROW is cadet interaction with students. A cadet mentor is assigned to each team and then provides technical assistance while teams are building their robots. Cadets manage the group dynamics to ensure teams function effectively.
Cadets report that this mentor role provides one of the most challenging and rewarding leadership experiences they encounter while at CGA.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Timothy Tamargo. Original public domain image from Flickr