Stem Education

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is introducing the next generation of engineers to the next generation of manufacturing by working with student teams from regional high schools to create prototypes, components, and working systems to support entries in the FIRST Robotics Competition, a nationwide event that promotes science and engineering among high school students.

The intense six-week "build" period is spent constructing the most efficient robot. From that experience, the students learn to work collaboratively, experience real world application of classroom curriculum, and develop invaluable problem-solving skills. Partnership with mentors allows students to explore career opportunities while establishing lasting contacts with engineers in the community.

News release: Local FIRST robotics teams dominate regionals, advance to world championship

Teams working with ORNL

  • 2013 Teams

    • Clinton High School (Team Robodragon, #4630)
    • Farragut High School (Team Flagship, #3140)
    • Gibbs High School (Team Eagles, #4025)
    • Halls High School (Team Red Nation Robotics, #4576)
      Awards: 2013 Smoky Mountain Regionals- Regional Winners
    • Hardin Valley Academy (Team RoHAWKtics, #3824)
      Awards: 2013 Palmetto Regional- Regional Finalists, Engineering Excellence; 2013 Smoky Mountain Regionals- Regional Winners, Engineering Excellence
    • Knoxville Catholic High School (Team Robotichauns, #2393)
      Awards: 2013 North Carolina Regional-Creativity Award; 2013 Smoky Mountain Regionals-Regional Finalists, Innovation in Control
    • Knox County L&N STEM Academy (Team Gryphons, #3966)
    • Maryville High Schools, includes Heritage and Alcoa High (Team B.C. Robotics, #4504)
      Awards: 2013 Smoky Mountain Regionals- Highest Rookie Seed, Rookie Inspiration
    • Oak Ridge High School (Team Secret City Wildbots, #4265)
      Awards: 2013 Smoky Mountain Regionals- Regional Winners, FIRST Dean’s List Finalist, Quality, Woodie Flowers Finalist
    • Roane County High School (Team Full Metal Jackets, #4462)
      Awards: 2013 Smoky Mountain Regionals-Rookie All Star
    • Seymour High School (Team Eagletrons, #3675)
    • South Doyle High School (Team Cybertribe, #4489)
    • Webb School of Knoxville (Team Webb Robotics, #1466)
    • West High School (Team Bad News Bots, #4554)

  • 2012 Teams

    • Hardin Valley Academy (Team HVA RoHawktics) – 2012 Smoky Mountains Regional Engineering Excellence Award; 2012 Peachtree Regional Engineering Excellence Award
    • Oak Ridge High School (Team Wildbots) – 2012 Smoky Mountains Regional Top Rookie All Star Award and 2012 FIRST Championship contender
    • Knoxville Catholic High School (Team Robotichauns)– 2012 Smoky Mountains Regional Top 5 among competitors
    • Farragut High School (Team Farragut Flagship)
    • Webb School of Knoxville (Team Webb Robotics) – 2012 Smoky Mountains Regional Woodie Flowers Finalist Award
    • Gibbs High School (Team Eagles)
    • L&N STEM Academy (Team Gryphons)
    • Seymour High School (Team Eagletrons) – 2012 Smoky Mountains Regional Top 5 among competitors

Video