Introduction
The annual GLOW Region Tech Wars is gearing up for its 15th edition, and the anticipation is palpable among middle and high school students, teachers, and the GCC Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) department. This article delves into the excitement surrounding this event and the efforts being made to ensure its success.
The Event Details
The 15th GLOW Region Tech Wars is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The venue for this thrilling event is Genesee Community College’s Batavia Campus, where students from all 24 school districts in the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) region will converge to showcase their technical prowess.
Competitions Galore
This year’s Tech Wars offers an array of competitions, with close to 30 options for students to choose from. These competitions range from basic to highly intricate, allowing participants to put their skills to the test in various innovative ways.
High School Events
- Battlebot Soccer
- Regatta
- Bridge
- CO2 Cars
- Logo Design
- Sculpture
- Onsite CAD Drawing
- Reverse Engineering CAD
- Skimmer Cars
- Sumo Bots
- Tractor Pull
- Trebuchet
- Lumber Labyrinth
- Drone Agility (New)
Middle School Events
- Mini-Bot Competition
- Skimmer Cars
- Technical Drawing
- Catapult
- Rube Goldberg
- Sculpture
Mystery Event
One of the highlights of Tech Wars is the Mystery Event, where students are challenged to showcase their creativity and skills in an on-demand, timed situation.
STEAM Jam @ Tech Wars
In addition to the main event, Tech Wars features STEAM Jam, an event designed for 3rd to 5th-grade students. STEAM Jam fosters skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) through team-building activities, providing a glimpse into the exciting world of technology.
Educational Support
The success of Tech Wars is a testament to the dedication of teachers and the support of the GLOW region schools. Through regional STEAM and Tech Teachers’ cohorts, educators collaborate and explore new technology, enriching the learning experience for students.
Sponsorship and Support
Tech Wars is made possible thanks to the generous support of local businesses and organizations. The 2024 event boasts a record number of sponsors, including Gold Sponsors such as Amada Tool America, Inc. and Liberty Pumps. These sponsors not only contribute financially but also volunteer their time, serving as judges and mentors for the students.
Impact and Future Prospects
Tech Wars not only showcases students’ technological skills but also provides them with valuable hands-on experience and exposure to industry professionals. The event is part of the ACE Program’s Career Pathways initiative, which aims to help students explore career options and transition smoothly from high school to further education or a career.
Conclusion
The 15th GLOW Region Tech Wars promises to be an exhilarating event, bringing together students, teachers, and industry partners to celebrate innovation and creativity in technology. As preparations continue, anticipation is high for a day filled with excitement and inspiration.
FAQs
1. How can students participate in Tech Wars?
Ans: Students can participate by forming teams with their classmates and registering for their chosen competitions through the official Tech Wars website.
2. Is there a registration fee for Tech Wars?
Ans: Yes, there is a nominal registration fee for participating in Tech Wars, which helps cover the costs associated with organizing the event.
3. Can parents and members of the public attend Tech Wars?
Ans: Tech Wars is primarily an event for students, teachers, and volunteers. However, there may be opportunities for parents and members of the public to attend certain portions of the event as spectators.
4. How are winners determined in Tech Wars competitions?
Ans: Winners are determined based on various criteria specific to each competition, such as performance, design, and innovation. Judges evaluate participants’ entries and select the winners accordingly.
5. Are there any age restrictions for participating in Tech Wars?
Ans: Tech Wars is open to middle and high school students within the GLOW region. There are no specific age restrictions, but participants must be enrolled in a participating school.