High Tech High Heels had the exciting opportunity to sponsor the Hockabots from The Hockaday School at the World FIRST Robotics competition in Houston, held April 18-21, 2018. The team had the opportunity to compete at the World level after advancing from the regional competition.
See highlights below from the Robotics coach, Laura Baker:
“The girls performed very well. They were in the top 16 teams out of 109 teams in five of the nine awards categories. They finished 43rd in the robot game with their highest score of the year. Their goal was to finish in the top 50 teams in the game and they did! The judges 
and referees commented on their poise, intelligence, and calm demeanor under pressure. The judges also liked their innovative attachments. These attachments included a track that slid back and forth to complete four missions in under 30 seconds. They also created a cart that slid off of the robot and then carried a piece across the board. The booth was also a big hit. They had a white board and Polaroid camera. Teams from all over the world took pictures and posted them on the board with little messages and pictures. They had disco music playing – it was very festive!”
She went on to state that the group is expecting 10-20 returning and new members to join for the next year, and are also planning STEM programs and activities involving multiple ages and grade levels. Baker also mentioned that they expect to have three to five teams compete at next year’s competition, as well.
This team and competition, which teaches girls engineering skills and programming, exemplifies High Tech High Heels mission to engage in STEM events and enable young girls to take on careers in the industry.
Find out how you can help HTHH support girls’ teams in the future in fun STEM events like this!
