|
|
Grade school students learn at
BFHS Robotics Team summer camp |
|
August 7, 2016 |
by Neil Martin
For many people, the word “robot” brings to mind
industrial machines, working around the clock
for one singular purpose. This was not at all
the case for the twenty kids, grades four
through six, who participated in the
fourday Lego Robotics Camp, hosted by BFHS
FIRST Robotics Team 2130 Alpha Plus+.
The camp was organized and conducted
solely by the high school team members, whose
goal
was to introduce younger students to the joys of
computer programming and robotics. This
year’s game, Ping Pong Panic, challenged
campers to push, pull, or carry ping pong
balls to various goals on a four by four foot
field, using only Legos, a miniature computer
known as the NXT device, and their imaginations.
The students were divided into four teams, each
accompanied by a high school mentor. The
students were guided through the building
process brainstorming, designing, prototyping,
and final construction. When each of the
four teams completed their unique robots,
they were tasked
with programming their computers to complete
specific actions, through the use of attachments
or various sensors.
Teams also practiced valuable concepts such
as “Gracious Professionalism,” the idea that
despite ongoing competition, teams should be
helpful and civil to one another. As a result,
students were seen lending needed Legos to
other teams and genuinely recognizing the
efforts of others.
At the end of the four days, each of the
teams participated in a final ranked
competition,
enthusiastically showing other teams and
their parents what they had learned. Each team’s
robot successfully maneuvered around the board
and scored ping pong balls, making for a very
exciting finale.
As a result of participating in the camp,
Alpha+ members hope that students will join a
FIRST Lego League Robotics team upon reaching
Boundary County Middle School. For more
information, please contact Jaak Sanders at
jaak.sanders@mail.bcsd101.com.
This camp would not have been possible without
the appreciated help of our team mentors, the
BCMS robotics teams, parents, and
community members who were involved. Alpha
Plus+ is looking
forward to hosting another robotics camp next
year.
|
|
|
|
Questions or comments about this
article?
Click here to e-mail! |
|
|
|
|
