Links to Alabama Astrobotics in the media are on our Media Links​ tab.

Outreach Events 2017

The Alabama Astrobotics Team participates in many outreach events each cycle. Events range from on campus demonstrations to  elementary school visits with the aim to inspire students to be involved and interested in STEM activities and careers.

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College of Engineering School Tours

In collaboration with the College of Engineering, The Alabama Astrobotics Team has spoken to potential students about the purpose of the competition and its application to education at The University of Alabama and future careers. 

Justin's Car - Semester Long Event

Four of our seniors decided to help a special young man named Justin for their senior design project. Justin has limited mobility, and we aimed to change that by modifying a child's electric vehicle for him. Here are just a few photos of the project from August until the reveal which took place the day before his fifth birthday. To see videos and media coverage of the reveal day, check out the "Media Links" tab at the top of the page.

RISE School Activities - Ongoing Event

Members of Alabama Astrobotics have had the pleasure of volunteering at the RISE School to assist in STEM education and other activities. The RISE School serves young children ages newborn to five years with physical and mental disabilities. Weekly, Astrobotics team members assist teachers and therapists with classroom activities primarily in the five-year-old age group, as this age is a bit more suitable for hands-on activities.

Science Olympiad - February 18, 2017

The Alabama Astrobotics Team participated in the Science Olympiad regional tournament held on the UA campus on February 18th, 2017. Alabama Astrobotics was in charge of the “Game On” activity designed for high school students that tests the participants’ ability to design and build an original computer game incorporating a centralized theme, robotic mining.

5th Grade Fast Break-UA Women's Basketball Game - December 15, 2016

Alabama Astrobotics was invited to present a robot demonstration at the UA Women’s “5th Grade Fastbreak” basketball game on December 15, 2016.  Approximately 4000 5th graders from all over the State of Alabama attended the event that was designed to introduce them to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  The Astrobotics Team presented both static and dynamic displays of their 2016 NASA RMC robot.

NASA Days - November 9-10th, 2016

Alabama Astrobotics was invited by the UA College of Engineering to  participate in the University of Alabama’s NASA Days. This event was held for current students at the University and all local K-12 schools. This event was an opportunity to learn about the numerous opportunities available with NASA, to explore future career possibilities, and to network with industry leaders. The Astrobotics Team had both static and dynamic displays of the 2016 NASA RMC robot and the 2016 NASA Centennial Challenge robot.

​Dr. Wernher von Braun Memorial Dinner

Since 1988, leaders from all areas of the space industry have been gathering in Huntsville, Alabama for the annual Dr. Werner von Braun Memorial Dinner. The dinner, held under the Saturn V rocket celebrates both the accomplishments of the team that first enabled twelve people to walk on the Moon, and also recognizes individuals and groups who today personify their ideals, and who have made or are making, significant achievements in advancing space exploration.  The National Space Club Huntsville Rising Star Award is presented to a young person or team reflecting superior performance in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

Left to Right: Sam Griffin, Joe Kabalin (2017 Team Lead), Dr. Kenneth Ricks, Caleb Leslie (2016 Team Lead), and Kellen Schroeder (2015 Team Lead)

Worlds of Work ​- October 13-14th, 2016​

Alabama Astrobotics was invited to represent the UA College of Engineering in the West Alabama Works -- Worlds of Work (WOW) event held on the Shelton State Community College campus Thursday October 13 – Friday October 14, 2015.  This two day event included dozens of exhibitors providing career info to 1000’s of students ranging from K-12 through college age; teachers and educators; and corporate leaders.  The Astrobotics Team provided an informational booth where the 2016 NASA RMC champion robot “Jimmy” was displayed.

    Alabama E-Day - October 6th, 2016    ​

Alabama Astrobotics was invited to participate in the UA College of Engineering E-Day on October 6th, 2016. “E-Day” is an open-house event that is used to show prospective college students engineering at the college level. This includes activities and exhibitions from nearly every technical student project group at each respective school as well as research demonstrations and facility tours. Hundreds of students, parents and teachers were in attendance. The Astrobotics Team displayed the 2016 NASA RMC champion robot “Jimmy” to all attendees. ​

   Homecoming - October 1, 2016

​Alabama Astrobotics was invited to participate in the UA College of Engineering Homecoming Tailgate for the Alumni on October 6th, 2016. This event was to honor all of the College of Engineering Alumni and to showcase how the college has grown since they left. The Astrobotics Team had an informational booth and the 2016 NASA RMC robot displayed.  

Bill Battle Visit - September 28th, 2016​

​The University of Alabama Athletics Director Bill Battle came today and visited the Alabama Astrobotics Lab. Mr, Battle got to drive "Jimmy", our 2016 National Championship winning robot around the arena.  We also showed Coach Battle C.E.R.E.S., our Sample Return Rover.  Coach Battle was kind enough to offer a behind the scenes tour of the Alabama Athletic Complex to the members of the Alabama Astrobotics team and praised the team for its great performance in the NASA Robotic Mining Competition.

Family Weekend - September 23rd, 2016​

Alabama Astrobotics was invited to participate in UA Family Weekend held on September 23rd, 2016. Families of UA students participated in a variety of activities around campus, including tours of the College of Engineering design teams. The Astrobotics Team opened the lab to display the 2016 NASA RMC champion robot “Jimmy” to all of the groups. Some children were even able to drive the robot in the arena.

Chevron Visit - September 21st, 2016​

Several University of Alabama Alumni came back to campus to visit the different student design teams and talk about opportunities that exist for students within Chevron.  We got to show our visitors "Jimmy" and tell them all about what we do as a team both for the competition and withing the community.