he Forest Lake Academy (FLA) Applied Robotics Group is one of eight Central Florida FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Tech Challenge Robotics teams that showcased their Robotics at the FIRST® Robotics booth during Otronicon 2018 at the Orlando Science Center.

Otronicon (Orlando Electronic Interactive Convention) provides unprecedented access to the creative professionals and cutting edge technology via keynote speakers, panels with industry experts and hands-on workshops. Orlando is one of the largest digital media and simulation centers in the country, which includes more than 1,200 companies, 30,000 creative specialists and estimated annual revenue of $9 billion.

“Since 2006, Otronicon has explored the science, art, technology, careers and fun behind simulation, robotics, videogames, virtual reality and digital media. Each year, multiple industry partners join Orlando Science Center to celebrate how digital media technologies impact the way we live, learn, work and play,” states an Otronicon organizer.

Launched in the fall of 2013, the FLA Applied Robotics Group seeks to develop within each student roboticists the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Competencies (STEM Identity, Foundation and Resilience) required to successfully pursue a STEM degree at the post-secondary level. The group is composed of four FTC teams and is part of the Forest Lake Academy Robotics and Innovation Lab.

For more information about Otronicon visit the website.

Arne Nielsen

director

Arne P. Nielsen believes that the real object of education, through the work of the Holy Spirit, is to transform the lives of students and “restore in man the image of his Maker . . . promoting the development of body, mind, and soul.” As a lifelong Christian educator, Arne believes that all children have the right to reach their God-given potential. He believes that the best way to accomplish this is by relying on God to lead, building trust and buy-in from educators, developing instructional leaders at the school level, and creating a differentiated system that provides resources and support for educators to grow and flourish.

FIRST® participation has proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators and enhance their 21st century work-life skills. You can read more about the Impact of FIRST on the website.

About the Forest Lake Academy Robotics and Innovation Lab

Modeled after the MIT Media Lab and Google X Labs, the FLA Robotics and Innovation Lab serves as an incubator where the students, guided by mentors, can pursue projects that they are passionate about and develop 21st century industries. For more information about FLA visit the website.

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