Code Red Robotics

Ithaca High School’s FIRST Robotics Team 639, Code Red Robotics is composed of both students and experienced engineers who work in collaboration for six weeks to produce a robot for a unique challenge each year. Code Red is part of an umbrella organization known as FIRST, which stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. FIRST supports innovation and inspiration in the field of Science and Technology through several programs that cater to students of all ages.

Code Red Robotics s also an affiliate of IPEI , the Ithaca Public Education Initiative. Gifts designated for Code Red are tax deductible because IPEI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

In addition, Code Red members stay active in the community through volunteering at events, demonstrations to the community, and participation in local festivals. The team has participated in events like the State Fair, the Ithaca Festival Parade, The Monroe County Fair, The Puerto Rican Festival, Showtimes at the Sciencenter, and many more. The team also volunteers regularly at Loaves and Fishes, as well as at Taughannock Falls State Park, the Relay for Life, the Cayuga Lake Triathlon, several elementary school playground building projects, Dump ‘n’ Run, and others.

One of the team’s proudest achievements, however, has to do with the FIRST Lego League teams Code Red members have helped start and mentor. Lego League is a division of FIRST for children in elementary School and early middle school. These programs introduce students to the world of science and technology through a hands-on scientific design process. Code Red has been instrumental in starting Lego League teams in every elementary school in the district, and continues to spread to the message of FIRST through the mentoring of younger students.

To learn more about Code Red Robotics, please visit www.team639.org or email ikrywe@icsd.k12.ny.us.

To learn more about FIRST, please visit usfirst.org.

To make a donation to Code Red, please visit http://www.ipei.org/index.php?page=contribute

Mission:

One of Code Red’s main goals is to allow any and all high school students to be exposed to the world of Science and Technology through Robotics. There is always something to do for a student of almost any interest, be it in machining, computer design, electronics, programming, media, website design, and much more. It is an experience that transcends most other extra curriculars in that being on the team not only promotes teamwork and cooperation, but also encourages free-thinking and innovation.

History:

When Code Red started in 2001, it was composed of fewer than fifteen students. Over the years, the team has been steadily growing in numbers, and had a constituency over 76 students in 2013. The team has won several awards over the years, including two wins at local regional competitions in 2004 and 2005. Most notably, the team received the Engineering Inspiration Award at the Finger Lakes Regional in 2012, which qualified them to go to the World Championships in St.Louis. There, the team’s alliance was runner-up in their division, an accomplishment that only 1% of all FIRST Robotics Teams share.