Where else can high school students from rural East Texas work alongside NASA astronauts, engineers, and STEAM professionals from around the country?
The annual Shuttle Columbia Memorial Robotics Competition is open to high schools from surrounding communities in East Texas and western Louisiana.
Each year, prizes (often including cash stipends and/or tickets to Space Center Houston at NASA’s Johnson Space Center) are awarded to the winning schools.
The on-site competition typically features a maximum of 10 teams, consisting of 3-4 members each. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate. When the number of teams comping in the robotics challenge is capped, additional groups are still welcome to observe.
NASA astronauts, as well as Boeing and NASA Alumni League engineers frequently serve as volunteers for the competition, working alongside students to offer feedback and mentoring to the teams. In addition, a panel of judges comprised of astronauts, engineers, and top management evaluate the teams to select a winner.
Under the direction of their team coaches, students use LEGO® Education Spike™ Prime robotics kits to complete a simulated space exploration mission.
Prior to the competition day, teams receive an information packet describing the challenge, official rules and judging criteria, as well as a list of supplies that will be provided by the museum.
A special recognition ceremony and award presentation follows the competition.
Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum 'Remembering Columbia' 