TORRINGTON – Students representing Torrington High School competed in their first ever Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Math and Science competition on March 6.
TEAMS is an annual STEM competition that challenges students to work collaboratively and apply their math and science knowledge in practical, creative ways to solve everyday engineering challenges. This competition helps develop “STEM-capable” students in an engaging way by showing them how math and science, with an engineering focus, are used to make tangible differences in the world. Teams of students compete at the state and national level. To enter the competition teams must write and submit an essay, take a multiple-choice test and complete the design and build challenge. The competition was originally scheduled at the University of Wyoming in Laramie but due to snow, the competition was conducted “on-site” at Torrington High School. THS took 3 teams (an unusually high number for the size of the school and for this competition – most schools were represented by one or two teams).
The Junior/Senior team: Emi Glass, Shelby Luttrell, Quentin Meyer, Maryssa Lira and Austin Fox placed 6th in the state. This team all agreed that their experience of the world of engineering thru this challenge was much more complex than anticipated and required critical thinking.
The Freshman/Sophomore team (Team A - sophomores): Joseph Phillips, Kaeden Jackson, Christian Jackson, Logan Banzhaf, Mason Brummell and Brian Fenn placed 1st in the state and qualified to compete in the national TEAMS competition. As 1st place finishers, this team was awarded a Best in State banner and each member received a medal. When asked about the TEAMS competition, sophomore Kaeden Jackson said, “I was really surprised that we got first in the state of Wyoming. The experience was fun and competitive at the same time.”
The Freshman/Sophomore team (Team B - freshman): Kameron Stitt, Morgan Bates, Liberty Battleson, Sera Glass, Anna Liggett, and Sydney Harris placed 3rd in the state and also qualified to compete in the national TEAMS competition. TEAMS member Sydney Harris was surprised by the complexity of the questions asked and decided that “there are many real life purposes that you need math and sciences for”.
Patty Kelly, THS gifted and talented coordinator, found the competition and started the ball rolling in the right direction. From there, coaches, Nicole Clayton and Melodie Foos assembled teams and began preparations. Coaches Clayton and Foos both agree that it was very exciting to watch these young, scientific minds dig into each challenge. Each member was enthusiastic and demonstrated a level of grit that allowed them to persevere through each challenge. As a school, this was the first year we competed in this type of event. We were hoping to have a learning experience with the intent of using what we learned to better prepare for next year’s competition. This year was definitely an experience. All three teams performed above and beyond the initial “experience” expectation. Clayton and Foos were very proud of each participant’s performance and willingness to step outside their comfort zone and extend their learning.
