May 16, 2014 (North Bergen, NJ) –Students at Explore 2000 Middle School in Jersey City have been introduced to a new Robotics Club thanks to financial assistance from the HCST Foundation (HCSTF), announced Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the HCST Foundation.
The Robotics Club is part of the First LEGO League® (FLL), a global initiative for 9 – 14 year olds that challenges students to utilize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) concepts to build robots from LEGO components. Teams bring their robots to local FLL tournaments where the machines complete tasks or “missions” in a competitive setting.
The Explore 2000 team, known as the E2K Lego-bots, has started strong. Christopher Cosavecchia, a student in the program, explains: “I am excited to be part of E2K: Lego-Bots because I get to be creative and use my imagination to build anything that comes to mind.”
Ms. Carrie Rapaport, who is the club’s moderator says, “I am excited to work on an activity that incorporates team building, character education and valuable STEM skills in a fun, creative environment.”
Executive Director Quentzel adds, “STEM-related careers are on the rise in America, and a Robotics program for local middle school students is crucial to getting students into STEM fields. We take pride in our efforts at providing a foundation for a better future via the robotics program at Explore 2000.”
