Team Fusion 364| Outreach

Team Fusion's Outreach

Younger Generations | International | School | Other Teams

Despite the long hours spent at Team Fusion, where our members labor and sacrifice to finish our robot, we also take active roles in our high school and its day to day activities. From the beginning of every school year, Team Fusion involves itself in many activities, ranging from participating in school district fall festivals, tutoring middle school children, visiting elementary schools after school in R.A.C.E for Success, and hosting VEX tournaments for students in both elementary and middle school. Every July Team Fusion also hosts two separate, week-long summer camps called Robot Studios for these students.

The Concept of R.A.C.E for Success (Robotics and Community Education) is a collaboration of electric, pneumatic, and robotic education for young students. For six weeks, Team Fusion travels to three different elementary schools to teach children in the after-school programs. Individual Team Fusion members went to a specific after-school program for two weeks and provided diverse school children a look at the fun and uses of technology. From interest grabbers like water rockets and electric cars, to the science behind pneumatics and electricity, the students were captivated by technology and learned the importance of teamwork while having fun.

Team Fusion also sponsored after-school science and technology robotics programs at elementary and middle schools. Team members and mentors aided the students with building a robot to compete at a tournament. Held at a local middle school, the most recent VEX tournament saw 23 teams from 9 different schools and 5 different school districts. VEX tournaments are a great way for Team Fusion to reach out and assist our community. Team Fusion mentors over 5 teams within and outside the Gulfport School District. Many prior students of Lego League teams, mentored by prior students, are now members of Team Fusion.

Around Gulfport High School, team members are referred to as the Fix-it students: when there is a problem to solve, no matter if it is technical in nature or not, Team Fusion students are called. Teachers and administrators believe that we can solve any problem, and honor us by allowing the team members to try to solve these problems themselves, providing guidance, but without holding our hand. On any given day, one can find Team Fusion students solving real world problems brought to them not only by the school, but also the local community. Fusion students fix technological and mechanical problems across the school, as well as use their VersaLaser to create teacher nameplates and items for fundraisers. Fusion students also participate in school beautification and cleaning activities, as well as various other extracurricular clubs.

Through achievements and awards, Team Fusion has always been compelled to give back. Team Fusion members have done the following for Gulfport High School: maintained and designed the Gulfport High School website, designed a videography platform for the school gymnasium, and created a radio-controlled, robotic t-shirt launcher to launch shirts and confetti from our 2004 FIRST robot at pep rallies and sporting events. Team Fusion uses Gulfport High School as a base for our other outreach and community operations. As a team, we strive to create and leave a positive effect in our high school and entire community. Team Fusion is ultimately a beacon of greatness and forward-thinking throughout Mississippi.