GearView, Team 9848 recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in the NJEA Convention alongside their sister team15458 Green Machine. Our shared 30'x40' booth, located in the vibrant Digital Boulevard, became a hub of excitement and learning, attracting a wide array of visitors, predominantly teachers interested in the world of robotics.

Our setup was designed to offer a comprehensive insight into the different aspects of our robotics team. We had dedicated stations for CAD (Computer-Aided Design), building, outreach, 3D printing, and even a thrilling hands-on experience where visitors could drive our robots. This interactive approach was highly successful in engaging the attendees and providing them with a tangible sense of what it takes to run a robotics team.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of the event was the interest shown by numerous educators in starting FIRST teams at their schools. These discussions were not just cursory; they were deep dives into the logistics, benefits, and impact of such programs. Our team members enthusiastically shared their experiences and insights, highlighting how FIRST programs foster critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and technical skills.

The CAD station, in particular, drew significant interest. Visitors were intrigued by the process of designing robot parts and the precision and creativity involved. The building station, on the other hand, gave a hands-on glimpse into the mechanical aspect of robotics, showcasing the physical assembly of the robots.

Our outreach station highlighted the community and educational aspects of our team's journey, sharing our experiences in various events and initiatives. The 3D printing station was a crowd favorite, demonstrating the cutting-edge technology we use to create custom parts for our robots.

Perhaps the most exciting feature was allowing visitors to drive our robots. This hands-on experience brought sheer joy and amazement to many, providing a direct feel of the control and mechanics of our creations.

Reflecting on the event, we are thrilled with the positive feedback and the genuine interest in robotics education. The NJEA Convention was not just an event; it was a platform for us to inspire and lay the groundwork for the expansion of robotics programs. A specific moment that was special for the team was when we got the opportunity to show off our booth to the president of the NJEA, Mr. Sean Spiller, and really were able to show the impact of robotics on our personal educational journeys.

We look forward to the possibility of new teams emerging from this event and are eager to support them in their journey.