Lexington sets the stage for an epic clash of robots, highlighting STEM education

LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Science, technology, engineering, and math, also known as STEM education, can take a lot of different forms. All of these factors were combined in the Robot Gladiator League state championship.

Students from all over the state got together to spotlight their tech skills and what they’ve learned in this competition. The students built and programmed bots to compete with other teams’ bots in a battle of technology. This league is hosted by a non-profit called Newton’s Attic, an organization all about empowering STEM education. Dawn Cloyd is the director of community outreach for Newton’s Attic.

“They actually design and build things, so there’s a lot of advanced manufacturing skills. These students are starting from scratch; they’re building weapons systems, they’re building defense systems, and they are having to go through the engineering process,” Cloyd said.

They learn a lot along the way. Some students came from more rural areas, like the Jackson Independent Schools, where Wayne Sizemore is superintendent.

“It’s incredible. When we talk about Robot Gladiator League, what an awesome opportunity for our students to be part of the project-based learning experience. We talk a lot about that in education, but you’re going to see it full force right now,” Sizemore said.

On top of the competition and the energy, competitors like Bryan Israel from the Black Males Working Academy and Carolina Keeton from Morgan County High School said the best part is taking these skills with them through life.

“It’s fascinating just seeing all of the wild imaginations spending hours and a lot of things like that. It’s just fun to see everybody coming up with their ideas for their bots and going out and competing,” Israel said.

“The biggest thing I want to take away is how hard everyone worked, seeing the dedication, and really just seeing, like, how collaborative we can really be. It’s been really exciting watching our robots progress throughout the year,” Keeton added.