When the Great Neck South High School technology department set goals for the 2007-2008 school year, at the top of the list was making a big impact with its newly offered Robotics curriculum. Department Head John Motchkavitz, along with teachers Matt Corrigan and Mike Passuello, put significant effort into creating a class that would be challenging for the students as well as focusing on the direction our technological world is going towards.

The close-knit department also wanted to foster a classroom environment that stressed teamwork, problem solving and creativity. It was felt that a part of this class should involve the competition that is run annually by inventor Dean Kamen and his group, US FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Through his organization, Mr. Kamen also provides $9.8 million in scholarships to colleges and universities. The school district and the South High administration saw the value in this undertaking and gave the class their enthusiastic support.

The robotic competition dealt with building a complex robotic machine with specific weight, size and other parameters. The robot had to be built within the six-week time frame allowed. Systems on the robot included an elaborate four-wheel drive system, pneumatics and highly advanced electrical circuitry. After completion of the robot, the classes also worked on various other components of the competition, including building a pit to operate out of, creating a cart for transportation, promotion of the robot through various multi-media, and also creating scouting booklets to use during the competition.

The team's early season goal was to capture the All-Star Rookie Award, which also comes with an invite to the International Championship in Atlanta. This year's event involved racing on a track that was roughly 60 feet by 30 feet, while maneuvering large diameter balls to different locations. The robot is driven autonomously, then with remote control by a student operator. Logging on to the team website at gnsrobotics.com will show an animated version of the task.

After competing at the SBPLI Long Island Regional at Hofstra from March 27-29, the team and robot were such a success that they did indeed win the Rookie All-Star Award, which is the top rookie honor. The Long Island Regional consisted of nearly 50 teams and over 2,000 students from the tri-state area and schools from as far away as Ohio. The win was a huge accomplishment for those involved in the designing, building and operating of the robot.

Additionally, senior Michael Lang was nominated not only as team MVP, but he also won the only individual award given out to students, the coveted Fred Breithut Award. This essentially means he was considered by the judges to be the best out of all the student participants. The team will compete next at the US FIRST Championship event at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Teams from all 50 states will be there, along with teams from countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Israel and Canada.

The South High team is always looking for sponsors, both individual and corporate, and also help from local engineers of all backgrounds is welcome. The goal is to connect students with the real world of technology. Sponsors, mentors, or those just interested in the program can call Technology Department Head John Motchkavitz at 773-1624 for more details, or visit the website listed above.