Science education: Tech Wars to return next week at GCC | Lifestyles

The students will work collaboratively to demonstrate their technical expertise through innovative, mind-expanding competitions.

Tech Wars introduces new events annually with a forward-looking vision and based on new developments in technology, organizers said in a news release. This year’s competitors have chosen from nearly 30 available competitions to showcase and test technology ranging some basic to intricate.

Regardless of the event, all of the students enjoy the opportunity to see their hard work come to fruition, organizers said. Tech Wars event details, rules and competition descriptions are available at techwarsgccny.org.

Tech Wars 2022 events brings back some favorites such as: Battlebot Soccer; the Regatta; Bridge; CO2 Cars; Logo Design; Sculpture; Onsite CAD Drawing and Reverse Engineering CAD; Skimmer Cars; Sumo Bots; Tractor Pull and Trebuchet; and the all-new Lumber Labyrinth.

In addition to Lumber Labyrinth, Tech Wars 2022 will also introduce Skimmer Cars and Technical Drawing for the middle schoolers, along with other legacy events such as Catapult; Paper Airplane; Rube Goldberg; and Sculpture.

Back by popular demand for all participants is the Mystery Event which allows students to use their creativity and skills in an on-demand, timed situation.

For the second year, Tech Wars also features STEAM Jam @ Tech Wars, an event held simultaneously for 3rd to 5th grade students from GLOW region schools.

More than 100 students will participate in various team building and mind-stimulating activities that foster skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. As an educational precursor to a future in technology, STEAM Jam participants will have the opportunity to observe the fun and exciting Tech Wars 2022 competitions.

Educational support for Tech Wars and STEAM Jam comes from the dedication, state-of-the art facilities and quality instruction in the GLOW region schools. Teachers share ideas and explore new technology and developments through both a Regional STEAM Teachers’ cohort and a Regional Tech Teachers’ Cohort

Focused on local economic development, the newly established Regional Tech Teachers’ Cohort collaboratively cultivates relationships between the schools and local professionals to provide information sessions, field trips, school to work opportunities, and more to enhance student learning experiences. Through these experiences and relationships students begin to form goals and a vision for their own futures.

“The support of local businesses and organizations in this region is second to none,” Ann Valento, ACE program specialist said. “Without these organizations and other generous local donors, Tech Wars would not be possible. Our local sponsors also serve as volunteers, judges, and spend their valuable time talking with students and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, the businesses that participate in these events get an exclusive opportunity to meet and network with the future workforce in our community.”

Tech Wars is also proudly sponsored and hosted by Genesee Community College and its Accelerated College Enrollment program. The ACE team and the entire GCC community work diligently to provide a safe and appropriately-equipped environment to showcase the students’ technological skills and creativity.

Tech Wars is among several dynamic programs giving students the opportunity to learn hands-on, often in business settings and with industry professionals. The ACE Program’s Career Pathways is committed to helping students explore career options and make a smooth transition from high school to further education and/or a career.