Grants Propel Newton High School Robotics Team Forward

The robotics team at Newton High School has received substantial support through two grants, enhancing its lab facilities and expanding its toolset. The $3,000 grant from the Jasper Community Foundation and the impressive $78,000 grant from the Fred Maytag Family Foundation have provided vital resources for the Newbotics Club, as confirmed by reports presented during school board meetings in August and September.

The funds from the Fred Maytag Family Foundation have been instrumental in acquiring essential equipment. This includes hand tools, a label maker, tool carts, display boards, a Canon camera, measuring tools, and a dedicated CAD computer for the robotics lab. As Derek Blair, the industrial technology teacher and robotics coach, explained, these upgrades have transformed the robotics lab into a versatile maker space, allowing students to engage in a variety of innovative projects. “This allows us to do a whole lot,” Blair stated, emphasizing the potential of the new resources.

Enhanced Capabilities for Robotics Students

The additions to the lab include advanced tools such as 3D printers, laser engravers, new monitors equipped with think pads, a water jet cutter, and a large format Epson printer. These enhancements significantly boost the Newbotics Club’s capabilities. Students communicated to the school board last month that these tools will be beneficial not just for the current season but for years to come.

Blair highlighted the importance of new PCs dedicated to programming, along with a CAD computer specifically designated for the robotics lab. He noted the challenges of bridging the gap between students in computer science and those in engineering and industrial technology. “We teach CAD but there’s not always a whole lot of carry over,” he remarked, indicating the necessity for more integrated resources.

The large format printer has already proven useful, enabling students to print blueprints and even a giant check to commemorate the grant from the Fred Maytag Family Foundation. The water jet cutter represents a significant upgrade, allowing for precise metal fabrication, which is crucial for constructing components such as gusset plates. Blair pointed out that this capability was previously unavailable, putting Newton’s team at a disadvantage against their competitors.

Competing with Larger Schools

The grants from the Jasper Community Foundation and the Fred Maytag Family Foundation have given the robotics team a critical edge. Blair expressed the sentiment that with these resources, they can compete more effectively against teams from larger schools in the Des Moines area, which often have greater access to corporate sponsorship and technological support.

“This support is all the more special,” Blair stated, reflecting on the importance of community involvement in enhancing the educational experience for students. With these new tools and facilities, the Newbotics Club is poised for success, ready to take on challenges with renewed confidence and capability.