On December 7th, the NWR Windybotz and Hawkbotz robotic teams took part in a First Lego League competition. The two teams are part of the sixth grade Robotics/ News Crew class. The students have been working all school year to prepare for competition. The competition has a submerged ocean theme and the students have learned to code robots to complete challenges. At competition the robotic engineers have 3 - 2 minute and 30 seconds rounds to complete as many challenges as they can and earn points. Robotics is just one aspect of the competition. The teams also developed an innovation idea with a skit and models to present to the judges. Each team went before the judges during a 30 minute time slot to present their innovation, a robot design presentation, and answered questions. The competition in Charlotte was a qualifier event for the state competition. Originally our teams would have attended this event in November, but First Lego League added the December date for teams impacted by Hurricane Helene. During the award ceremony the Hawkbotz received the second place innovation award and the Windybotz were selected as the overall champions of the event! Both teams were selected to move on to the state competition. They will head to A&T University in Greensboro in January. Mr. Thompson won the coach/mentor award!
We would like to thank Thermo Fisher for assisting our two teams. They have sponsored the teams and have provided support through visiting engineers and other staff members. They have helped the students work on robotics and in developing their innovations. They have also listened to presentations and provided helpful feedback as our students prepared for their event.
