Robotics teams successful in competition and character


Posted: March 11, 2022

In February, six teams of elementary and middle school competitive robotics teams participated in regional competitions, the culmination of their steady practice since last fall.

Teams from Crittenden, Booker T. Washington and Passage middle schools and from Katherine Johnson, Deer Park and Sedgefield elementaries wrote code to program their robots to complete missions and navigate courses.

The teams also worked collaboratively to solve a real-world problem in the "Cargo Connect Remote Rumble." Teams were directed to research and offer a solution to a real issue involving the transportation of cargo. Depending on the problem and solution they chose, teams built models or created maps, designed processes or wrote drafts of legislation that might address and resolve their issue. Teams consulted via Zoom with an actual logistics professional and used that feedback to adjust their proposed solution.

These robotic teams were participating in LEGO League events sponsored by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a nonprofit that promotes STEM education through these competitions.

Students were evaluated on not only their coding skills, their final products and their presentations, but also on their cooperative attitudes and their efforts to keep all members of the team involved. It was even noted if students paid attention to presentations by other teams.

This emphasis on humane treatment of others, a willingness to accept constructive feedback and make adjustments and ensure that no teammate feels excluded are all aligned with the core values of FIRST, which emphasizes not only STEM skills and their impact on the world, but also inclusion, teamwork and fun.

FIRST refers to these ethical concerns as Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition® and uses these concepts to encourage students to think about their interactions with others as well as their end results when competing.

Inclusion and flexibility are among the reasons for the success of STEM programs in engaging students who might be less inclined to participate in traditional science, math and engineering activities.

The NNPS Robotics program boasts the largest percentage of teams competing in these events of school districts in the region.

Booker T. Washington Middle's team won the Core Values Award and the team from Mary Passage Middle earned the Judges' Choice award.

Principals, teachers and robotics team coaches made this experience possible and supported students in their pursuit of STEM competencies.

On the day of competition, coaches, students, and parents arrived at Booker T. Washington Middle an hour early to practice coding and prepare for their team's interview.
On the day of competition, coaches, students, and parents arrived at Booker T. Washington Middle an hour early to practice coding and prepare for their team's interview.