A feature of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Education Division.
Technology Education Spotlight: Horace Mann High School – Bots IQ
Bots IQ is a nationwide educational program that is a spinoff from the popular BattleBots® television
show. Students build combat type robots and compete against other teams to see which has designed
and built the best product. This program is project-based education. High school aged students gain
hands-on experience that allows them to discover the possibilities of a career in the manufacturing
sector and other science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields. The Bots IQ program at Horace
Mann High School (HMHS) in North Fond du lac, launched in Fall 2013, is allowing local students to put
knowledge into action.
“The combination of critical thinking, hands-on experimenting and problem solving is extremely
beneficial for students,” explained Tom Kiser, Technology Education Instructor at HMHS. “Aside from
the rules and regulations they are given no directions. Instead, they are expected to brainstorm ideas,
develop mock-ups and move the project forward through trial and error.”
From designing the robot, to machining the parts and wiring the electronics the students are responsible
from start to finish. The finished products compete one-on-one in area tournaments, with the intent to
disable the opponent. During a tournament, students are responsible for keeping their robot
operational.
“The Bots IQ program requires students to think critically under pressure,” explained Kiser. “The lessons
learned during battle help to prepare students to think on their feet, teaching them how to respond
when a machine breaks down on the shop floor, when productivity and profit-making is on the line.”
Students enrolled in the program at HMHS are gearing up for their first competition. On November 16,
the team will take part in its first Bots IQ Competition, taking place at Moraine Park Technical College in
West Bend, Wisconsin.
In its first year at HMHS, 16 students are enrolled in the Bots IQ program. As an elective, the class meets
daily during regular school hours. “Bots IQ is a great addition to courses we already offer as it
encourages problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork amongst students.” stated Samantha
Freimund, principal of Horace Mann High School. “As a school each year we look at what fields our
students are going into after high school in comparison to courses we offer. The last few years we have
added Prostart, criminal justice, biotech, medical terminology and Capp Calculus I and II, just to name a
few.”
Freimund also stated that HMHS continually looks at meeting all student career pathways. “This year we
have also applied for the Project Lead The Way Grant to offer more engineering courses. We have a
strong welding, construction and culinary arts program. We offer many articulated courses with MPTC
and school to work opportunities for students.”
Although in its first year, those involved in the Bots IQ program are already looking forward to its
growth. “13 students working together on one robot is not the ideal situation,” explained Kiser. “We
want the students to get as much hands-on experience as possible and I’ve found the best way to
ensure that happens is to have no more than six students working on one robot.”
A feature of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Education Division.
While student interest already exists, the program is in dire need of financial support and partnerships
with area businesses. This support will enable the program to not only continue into a second year, but
also fund a second team and ensure that the program has the resources it needs to succeed. Financially,
it costs about $2,000 (minimum) to build a robot, with additional expenses in competition fees and
training seminars. “We are grateful to have received $1,400 in funding from a Perkins Grant,” stated
Kiser. “However, almost all of that has already been used and we still need to purchase additional parts
in order to complete our first robot.”
Kiser went on to explain that the students are also in the process of designing a second robot. However,
to make that design dream a reality the program is in need of additional funds. With 13 students already
involved, the expenses for the program are estimated to reach over $5,000 annually and without
sponsors the students’ and the program’s potential will not be reached. As such, to ensure that the
students have the material and the resources they need to compete sponsors are needed. Businesses
can make sure that this learning opportunity continues to be available to students by making a financial
commitment to the program.
Businesses in all industries, from manufacturing to banking to retail, are encouraged to get involved. If
you or your company is interested in becoming a sponsor, or making a monetary or in-kind donation,
please contact Tom Kiser via phone: WORK – (920) 929-3740 ext. 5112 / CELL – 920-948-6990 or e-mail
[email protected]. Interested businesses can also contact the Association of Commerce Education
Division directly with questions or for assistance in connecting with this opportunity. In addition to
financial support and donations, the Bots IQ program at Horace Mann High School is seeking
partnerships with area manufacturing and engineering firms. By becoming a business partner, area
companies can play a monumental role in the success of this program and the growth of students.
“We are looking for businesses that will interact with us,” explained Kiser. “We welcome mentors to
come into the classroom, to engage students and take their learning to the next level.” Without a doubt,
the impact of such partnerships is invaluable to students and the entire program. However, the benefits
are mutual. By becoming a team mentor, a business is able to connect with the future workforce. Many
of the students have an aptitude and interest in high-tech manufacturing and business partners are able
to support that interest, which can lead to a skilled employee joining their workforce. Businesses
interested in partnering with the Horace Mann High School Bots IQ program should contact Tom Kiser.
For more information on the Bots IQ Wisconsin program visit www.botsiq-wi.org or call (262) 391-1028.
For more information on the Horace Mann High School Bots IQ program and its technical education
department contact Tom via phone: WORK – (920) 929-3740 ext. 5112 / CELL – 920-948-6990 or e-mail
[email protected].
To read the complete “Technology Education Spotlight: Horace Mann High School” visit www.fdlac.com.
To find out how your company can become involved and give back to area educational institutions
please contact the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce at (920) 921-9500 or e-mail Jim Cleveland
or Mary Denzin at [email protected] / [email protected].