The Powell High School gym rumbled with robots this month as students from across the state engaged in some friendly competition. The Robo Rumble was a scrimmage that brought out students from Montana and Wyoming. The event functioned as more of a learning experience than a competition, with experienced students helping those with clubs that are just getting off the ground.
“Everybody helps everybody,” said Joel Hayano, PHS math and technology teacher.
The students were getting good practice for the FIRST Tech Challenge championship tournaments. The Montana tournament was held on Friday in Bozeman, and the Wyoming tournament is in Casper in February.
Schools are seeing their robotics programs ramp up, in part, because of statutory changes the Wyoming Legislature implemented in the 2018 session. The law allowed school boards to approve…