Q: How can you join the Ferndale Impi Robotics team?
A: Come to fall training meetings and ask to join. Alternately, email Ms. Mando at maisoun.mando@ferndaleschools.org
Q: What are the requirements to join the robotics team?
A: Good news – you don’t have to be a genius! You just have to be a 9th-12th grade student attending Ferndale High School. To attend competitions, you have to maintain a C or higher in every class and also meet a 10-hour per week participation requirement (see below).
Q: How often does the robotics team meet?
A: The robotics team meets:
- Twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-6:30 during the fall teaching season.
- Robotics meetings are held every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 3:30-5:30 pm from kickoff until the season wraps up. Attending Thursdays from 3:30-6:30 pm, Saturdays from 9 am-3 pm, and one additional day during the week are required for a minimum of 10 hours per week.
- For competitions, beginning in March, which are on Fridays and Saturdays (students are excused from school on Fridays).
Q: What is the competition schedule?
A: The schedule for the upcoming competitions and team meeting dates are posted here.
Q: What kinds of jobs can you do if you join the robotics team?
A: You can join the Robot Build Team, CAD/Design Team, Safety Team, Programming/Electrical Team, Strategy/Scouting Team, and Community Outreach/Fundraising Team (Impact). During competition season, you can either scout matches or be on the drive team serving as driver, buttons controller, human player, or technician. There are more than enough jobs for anyone with interest!
Q: Do you get school credit for being a part of this?
A: Not yet, but it looks great on college applications, and it also prepares you for careers in science, math and design. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!
Q: What type of tools do students work with?
A: We work with power tools to build the robots, including the drill press, band saw, miter saw, and more. Team members are trained in every tool safety before they use any tools, and are supervised by a teacher or mentor.
Q: Can I do robotics in addition to other activities?
A: Yes. Many of our students are part of other activities as well (i.e. theater, orchestra, Ferndale Independent Percussion, band, marching band). We will work with your schedule so you can follow all of your interests.
Q: How long has the robotics team been at FHS?
A: The Impi Robotics team has been at FHS since 2007.
Q: Is being a part of the robotics team a good way to earn scholarships for college?
A: While participating on the robotics team does not guarantee you a college scholarship, FIRST offers over $50 million of scholarship money per year. Learn more here: https://www.firstinspires.org/alumni/scholarships
Q: Where can I contact the team?
A: You can contact us here.
