Visitors from Pine Tech came to our school today to talk to us about some of the programs they offer related to technology.  They talked about an exciting project in development for building a racing simulator.  We were also able to hear more about what the VEX Robotics competition is, what our responsibilities are, see Pine Tech's robot, and receive some help for our own robot.  Watch this video to see the VEX Competition Objective for this year.

"On December 3rd Empower Learning Center student Cody Kendall is interviewed by judges, discussing the Empower VEX robotics program, the robot Cody and fellow students built, and his participation in the St Cloud Regional VEX Robotics Tournament. This competition was Cody’s first robotics tournament and Empower's first competition of the year and his record for the day was 3 wins and 4 loses.  The team name is Alternative Minds.  With the generosity and guidance of Pine Tech Community College, the Alternative Minds VEX Robotic Team is in its 2nd year.  Although Cody was the only student available for this competition, there is a total of five Empower students involved with the robotics program.  Students involved with VEX are developing skills in computer programing, robotic engineering, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.  The Empower robotics program is made possible through the generous donations by Pine Tech Community College, Lakes Gas, and the Finlayson-Giese Lions." - Source: Hinckley News

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Our VEX Robotics team had been hard at work!  Our robot now moves!  ...at this point it only goes in circles... but we're on the way!  

We have quite a few talented artists this year in the ALP!  We look forward to sharing their great works of art as the year goes on!  Make sure to check back to see them!  We have also joined the Robotics revolution this year and are competing as a team in the VEX Robotics competitions where we will build our own robot to compete in competitions with a chance to move on to the national level.  If you see any of our robotics team members, wish them luck on this endeavor!