Massena Junior High School student Corey Snyder was busy making some last minute adjustments to the robot his Hot Shot Technols school team hopes will impress judges.

Close to 400 local high school and grade school students, some from as far away as Pennsylvania, are gathered on the Clarkson campus for what may be the hardest fun they have ever had.
 
The students have designed, assembled and programmed a variety of robots. Each has been programmed to do complex tasks like shooting whiffle balls in a competition against robots from other schools.

But it's really more like a mind sport where the students apply real-life concepts based on mathematical and engineering concepts.

For the student competitors, it's a chance to shine by showing off not only their technical skills, but teamwork and problem-solving as well.
 
The goal of the robotics challenge, part of the 'For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology' or FIRST program, is to inspire and excite the young students and give them a greater appreciation for science and technology.

While these students are working on mechanical robots, on Saturday grade school students will be competing Saturday with LEGO-based robots they designed and built.