STEM & Robotics
The SAS ATOMS robotics team is a member of the First Tech Challenge (FTC) program, consisting of eighteen students and two coaches. Although we are a small group, we are a very dedicated group that enjoys being a part of an FTC Team.
FTC is an extracurricular program for students in grades 7-12. We learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through hands-on learning in robotics by building and programming robots. These robots then compete at regional competitions, with the potential of qualifying for the FTC NY State tournament and the World Championship competition. During the 2021-2022 season, we won the Best Design Award in NY FTC Corning Qualifier and second place in the NY Excelsior FTC qualifying tournament. Also, we had a very successful year in the last two seasons, earning a qualifying spot in the excelsior super-regional championship!
In addition, our robotics team is competing in many different engineering competitions, such as the CNY Steamboat challenge, CNY Balsa wood bridge building, rocket challenge, and genius olympiad. Some of our recent achievements are first, second, and third place at the 2021 CNY Steamboat Challenge and first, third and fourth place at the 2021 CNY bridge building competition.
Participating in FTC and STEM events allows students to learn more about math and science while expanding their knowledge for computer programming, business, and engineering careers. As you may know, getting young people interested in these fields is very important to our community and New York, and the entire US. We strive to expose our students to as many STEM programs and courses as possible, and this program is one that our students enjoy.
The Congressional Awards
On November 16th, 1979, The United States Congress established The Congressional Award Act, recognizing initiative, service, and achievement in young people. Today, The Congressional Award remains Congress' highest honor a member of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives may bestow upon a youth civilian.
Since October 2021, Syracuse Academy of Science high school students have participated in The Congressional Awards program. They work on four categories to reach their goals of receiving certificates and medals.
Since October 2021, each Saturday, Mr. Yaman and Mr. Turgay's Congressional Award students set aside a portion of their day to work on their Congressional Award requirements. On top of the hours they spend on their personal development and physical fitness, they serve their community and earn community service by volunteering their time and service at the Thrifty Shopper store in East Syracuse every Saturday to give back to their community.
Throughout their Congressional Award journey, they visited multiple famous cities such as Boston, NYC, and Washinton, DC, and tent camped at Adirondacks, NY exploring their country by meeting with the Congressional Award Expedition/Exploration requirement.
