March 15 registration deadline: UTSA regional G.E.A.R. robotics tournament

students at competition

Young students at a G.E.A.R. robotics competition

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(Jan. 29, 2014) -- Teams of students between grades three and eight from the San Antonio area have until March 15 to register for the 2014 G.E.A.R. (Getting Excited About Robotics) tournament that will be Saturday, April 5 in the Convocation Center at the UTSA Main Campus.

Organized by the UTSA Interactive Technology and Experience Center (iTEC), a community outreach component of the UTSA College of Engineering, G.E.A.R. is an annual robotics competition designed to motivate third through eighth graders to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The experience offers engaging, interactive, hands-on activities that build technical skills and foster critical thinking, self-confidence, communication and leadership.

Participating teams spend six weeks designing the best robot they can to meet G.E.A.R. themed challenges in preparation for the tournament on April 5. At the end of the tournament, one elementary school team and one middle school team will take home the grand prize. Up to 125 teams have competed in previous years.

Registration is first-come, first-served for the first 50 teams per division. Participating teams can represent a school or civic organization and must register at the UTSA iTEC website. Registration is $50 per team.

A kickoff meeting will be Saturday, Feb. 15 at the UTSA Main Campus for registered teams or those interested in registering. At the meeting, iTEC will reveal the task of this year’s challenge, along with competition rules and details.

Established in 2007, iTEC’s mission is to inspire youth by creating an environment where they can understand how science, technology, engineering and math shape our lives and the future of the world. Throughout the year, iTEC hosts camps and competitions for youth, teacher training workshops, and partners with school districts and other educational institutions across San Antonio. UTSA iTEC has built a reputation for offering meaningful, high-quality, safe and exciting educational activities for school-aged children.

For more information about G.E.A.R. and to register, visit the UTSA iTEC website.

Inquiries about the competition can be directed to itec@utsa.edu or 210-458-5081.

For updates, visit the iTEC Facebook page.

 

 

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