 For the past five years, Friendswood ISD has been represented at the contest, which is sponsored by the University of Houston, the Texas Learning and Computation Center, and the Houston chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics [AIAA]. 
The Mars Rover Competition promotes student understanding of the science and engineering of NASA’s Mars exploration program while also encouraging students to consider science and engineering as future careers. For the competition, students research Mars, choose a mission and landing site, build a solar-powered rover that represents current and future Mars Exploration Rovers, and prepare a skit about their research. Students then perform their presentations in a series of judging rounds. 
This year Bales took four of the five top spots:  This included: 5th place—Ashley Cao and Samantha Farley; 4th place—Matthew Howard, Nicholas Hubbard and Daniel Theall; 3rd place—Parker Joffrion; and 2nd place—Erika Aamodt, Gina Baker, Rachel Cao, and Madeline Rhew.
Bales sponsor is Suzi Williams. |
