Robotics
Robotics at SPS
One of the most accomplished SPS programs, Robotics gives students the opportunity to work as a team of young engineers, applying classroom learning to real-world challenges through hands-on problem-solving. Team members collaborate with one another, other robotics teams, staff, volunteers, and community members as they design, build, test, and improve solutions to competition challenges.
As an engaging extension of the school day, robotics draws on skills across math, science, technology, design, carpentry, communication, and marketing. Most importantly, students learn to collaborate, contribute their strengths, solve problems together, and work toward a common goal—while building confidence and seeing themselves as belonging in STEM.
FRC6201: The Highlanders
Founded in 2016, the Somerville High School Robotics Team is a student-led program serving students in Grades 8–12, supported by dedicated mentors and alumni who provide ongoing guidance. The team designs and builds robots to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition while also engaging in local events that promote interest in engineering and technology across the community. Rooted in STEM, the program welcomes students of all experience levels, emphasizing collaboration, learning, and mutual support. Through hands-on experience and teamwork, the group is committed to fostering both technical skills and a positive, inclusive educational environment for all participants.
FRC6201 The Highlanders is the high school’s competitive robot building team. During the fall, students develop skills and teach new members the skills they will need in order to contribute. The competition design and build season starts in January and culminates in a several exciting weekend competitions against other local schools in March and April. The team meets in the afternoons at Somerville High School in the robotics classroom and the FabLab. The team also regularly gives back to the community by attending local events that foster interest in engineering and technology within Somerville. Visit the Highlanders Team FRC6201 website to learn more.
Robotics in Grades K-8
Four week-long summer sessions are offered to explore LEGO SPIKE Prime, XRP, Micro:bit, 3D printing, and laser cutting. One of these week-long sessions is set aside for the SPS summer program for English language learners.
A school-based intramural robotics program, SRL uses LEGO SPIKE Prime robot kits for a series of activities and trainings before high school student coaches unveil the annual game. At the end of the program, all teams compete at Somerville High School in the game challenge or showcase their innovation project. The program runs in the fall and serves Grades 5 thru 8. SRL meets once per week after school.
Each year FIRST Robotics releases a new theme, a set of challenges, and an innovation project for teams around the world to compete. FRL offers more complex challenges and a higher stakes finale competing against teams from around the state. The program is designed for Grades 6 thru 8 and runs two afternoons per week, August to December.
Students of any skill level join a sisterhood of supportive peers and role models using computer science to change the world. GWC offers fun activities like coding micro controllers and working on LEGO robotics. This is a spring program for Grades 6 thru 8, meeting one afternoon per week in the FabLab at Somerville High School.