Gunn Robotics Team
| Length | Year |
|---|---|
| Credit type | Unweighted |
| Teacher(s) | Mrs. Granlund |
The Gunn Robotics Team, or GRT, participates in the FIRST robotics competition. Acceptance into the team is rather competitive and no experience is required to apply, though students with previous engineering experience (ex. those who took Introduction to Engineering Design) make stronger applicants.
GRT is both a team and a class called Engineering Technology in the course catalog.
Course Catalog Description
This is a hands-on course that will provide students real-life experience in mechanical design, machine shop skills, engineering project work and leadership. The curriculum is designed to fit the needs of both four-year-college-bound students and those interested in a two-year career tech education. Conceptual instruction begins with the design cycle, which students experience in all stages, including hands-on skill development from brainstorming to prototyping to manufacturing and testing. Mechanism design and prototyping, programming, electronics, pneumatics, machining and welding, and CAD (computer-aided design) technologies are introduced to all students using industry-standard equipment. Applications of scientific and engineering principles, group dynamics, leadership and communication skills are developed in an activity-oriented approach including informal classroom challenges and two or more FIRST Robotics competitions each year. Students who wish to enroll in Engineering Technology must select this course as an Alternate since members will be selected as members of the Gunn Robotics Team (GRT). An application process will be used to award spaces within GRT based on skills necessary for team success, and detailed information regarding this process will be published in January. Students who have completed Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering and Robotics, an Automotive Technology course, or a Stage Technology course will be given special consideration during the selection process.
• After School Hours Expectation: Yearlong participation in after-school and weekend activities is required. First semester 4 hours per week average, second semester (January through April) 12 hours per week minimum.
Should I take this class?
Joining GRT is a big commitment. Expect to attend a lot of after school "shop time" sessions, basically an extension of class time to do work on various projects in the first semester and the Build Season robot in second semester.
Gunn's engineering roadmap suggests students pursuing Computer Science or Electrical Engineering eventually join GRT under the Controls subgroup, the only subgroup to do EE/CS activities. However, they only accept 2–3 members per year (and don't accept Seniors unless they're extremely experienced), so don't join GRT with the expectation that you'll be in this subgroup.
