Rock Solid Robotics has begun its 12th year. Founded in 2012, the team was formed after science teacher Mark Schlangen attended the 2011 Double DECC’er regional robotics event. Schlangen realized that he would like his students to watch a competition, and the initial plan was to bring students to the DECC to see STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) in action. The idea was proposed to the principal of Two Harbors High School, and became the thought that FIRST Robotics needed to be included in the school. A few students and dedicated mentors created the 2012 Rock Solid Robotics team.
At the Northern Lights Regional that year, Rock Solid was voted the Rookie All-Star team and moved on to compete in the FRC World Competition in St. Louis, MO in 2013. Now, over 90% of Rock Solid alumni are in post-secondary education programs, and over 50% are pursuing STEAM-based careers.
The current co-captains of the Rock Solid Robotics team are Isabelle Mecklin and Alex Stone, juniors at Two Harbors High School. They love STEAM, and “we have found that our local robotics team, Rock Solid Robotics, is an awesome way for us to partake in that interest.” Mecklin and Stone have been in robotics for the last two years.
This competition season for robotics is called “Crescendo”. Mecklin and Stone expressed gratitude for the team’s many sponsors “who are supporting this season and past season, and [we] will always accept more support.” Rock Solid begins the season with prototyping and brainstorming ideas to take on the season’s challenge. This season will explore the roles STEAM plays in the arts and design.
Mecklin detailed some of the ways robotics applies to real life. “Robotics develops many crucial skills, like working successfully with a team or wiring a product. In addition to being beneficial in learning, it is fun to take on a challenge and witness the fruits of hard work.”
When asked what Mecklin and Stone were most looking forward to this year, Mecklin replied, “This season, we are most excited for the season, but, as captains, we are most excited for our new members. We hope they have fun, benefit from the experience, and bring us a winning season.” Here’s to the Rock Solid Robotics team, hoping they build their way to a great year!
