Robotics Club Selling Green Light Bulbs to Compete

The Robotics Club is currently selling LED light bulbs to defray competition costs. The club which was created in 2009 by Math Teacher Minda Reidy, has grown to over 30 students, according to Linda Wang, club president.

This year, the club participated in the Botball Competition for which they received first in documentation and second in alliance matches. In the FIRST Tech Challenge, the club also came in first for documentation.

Wang said, "We plan on competing again next year, and these events come with costs that are not covered by the school budget. We decided that the lightbulb fund raising would be an eco-friendly way to earn money, while simultaneously obtaining community involvement."

She said the FIRST Green e-watt saver is a new type of environmentally friendly bulb. Wang pointed to their advantage over other light bulbs including CFLs because they do not contain lead or mercury or require special disposal. She also explained that they turn instantly on and off, can last up to 9.1 years, are 88% energy efficient and will replace a 60 watt incandescent bulb using only 7 watts.

"The light bulbs at $20 each are a great deal because if they are run 3 hours a day, mathematically they would cost 84 cents a year," Wang said. She also pointed out that light bulbs purchased in sets of 3 or more will cost only $15 each.

The offer will only be available through June 17 which is the last day of school.

The Andover High School Robotics club meets every Tuesday and Friday after school. For more information about the lightbulbs and the club, visit their website.