New robotics team formed

Twenty-four students in sixth through 11th grades from Mountain Brook schools formed the inaugural team, Cutting Edge Robotics, for Boosting Engineering Science and Technology (BEST) and competed against a field of 24 teams in the recent BEST event held at UAB Bartow Arena. BEST is a non-profit competition designed to engage, excite and inspire middle and high school students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

The formation of the robotics team has allowed students to make new friends and provided a unique outlet for kids who love science. Throughout the competition, students learned teamwork, independence and confidence. For their entry, the team constructed a robot that can assemble heavy parts on the course into a wind turbine. 

The team’s mentor is MBJH’s new career technology teacher, James Salvant, who earned a B.S. in mathematics from UAB. Students met three to five times a week for the six weeks prior to the competition. Other teams may be formed throughout the year to compete in other robotics competitions. 

Interested students should contact Salvant at mtnbrook.k12.al.us/mbjh.