![NEW CHALLENGE, NEW TEAM MEMBERS: Every season, VEX creates a new game that robotics team members are faced with and have to build a robot to compete in. This year’s game forces students to create a robot that is able to stack rings onto mobile goals in order to score points. The change in games each season is something that robotics teacher Audrea Moyers appreciates.
“One of the things that I like about VEX is that they have a new problem to solve every year,” she said. ¨Even though the equipment’s the same, they have to analyze the game, and they have to come up with solutions that are unique that year. They are using their knowledge from prior years, but they have to kind of redesign a problem.”
As returning teams were faced a new game, some new teams and members had to adapt to a uncommon playing field and game.
“Three of our four teams were competing for the first time this year, and they had very different experiences match to match, so I think they learned a lot,¨ she said. ¨It’s hard just watching a video online to know how it’s actually going to be in person, so they all learned a lot about what gameplay is like, how to work with an alliance partner [and] how to adapt during the day to changes.”](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_9283-1-1200x800.jpg)
In this episode of Tosa West Talks – I Made This Podcast we talk with three sophomore students who made a catchy, unforgettable educational rap for their Sophomore required health class about the dangers of vaping and nicotine.
The song “Put the Vape Down” by Amora Fifer, Honesty Washington, and Izzy Goodlow features a Milwaukee inspired beat and catchy lyrics combined into an infectious flow that will have you nodding your head and singing along immediately.
“Put the vapes down, when your lungs turn brown I don’t wanna hear a sound.”
In a conversation with host Evelyn Davis, the trio go in-depth about the challenges, successes, and fun times they had with their first time recording a song together in the media room of the Tosa West library.
“Once we got our lyrics and figured out our flow, it was just barbeque chicken from there,” said Fifer.
The trio also discussed plans that they are hoping to continue rapping together and may record another song in the near future.
If you have heard the song, you know it is catchy. Learn more about how they produced this memorable song.
Tosa West Talks: I Made This Podcast focuses on talking with students who have created a project of significance in or out of school.
This podcast explores all aspects of the project making process – from the original idea to the final product – and all of the twists and turns in between.
Through these conversations, we learn more about what students are working on and passionate about and how school plays a role in inspiring students interests, hobbies or passions. This podcast seeks to bring attention and focus to students and their passion project.
Episodes include discussions with students discussing academic projects, visual artists, musicians, and creators of all kinds. Tune in for unique behind-the-scenes stories, and a closer look at the talents within our student community.
This story was originally published on The Tosa Compass on January 29, 2025.