Some Manitoulin Island students were able to see some of the most extraordinary robotics at two recent competitions.
The five students from Charles C. McLean Public School in Gore bay won the Global Innovation Award at the West Provincial FIRST Lego Robotics Competition and also took part in the Ontario Innovation Celebration at Seneca College in Markham in February.
Their team effort was titled ‘Tears in Space’ promoting solutions to long-term space travel challenges.
Although they did win the provincial title, they came home with medals and some innovative ideas for robotics.
In its fourth year, the Ontario Innovation Celebration brings together 18 teams with the most innovative solutions to the theme “Into Orbit.” Each team pitches their ideas to a panel of judges, who then select three groups to represent Ontario in the Global Innovation Award (GIA) competition this June in San Jose, California. The first place team will receive $20,000 to bring their innovation to reality.
The FIRST LEGO Robotics Competition includes four separate components. First, teams create a robot table programmed to accomplish various missions on the theme of space exploration. Teams then present their design and answer questions from judges.
During the Core Values Challenge, teams undertake a surprise challenge in a closed session, and answer questions about topics like creativity, innovation and inclusion. For the Space Research Project, teams research, identify and solve a problem related to long-term space travel.
“I am extremely proud of the effort put forth by all team members,” says Charles C. McLean Public School Principal Tracey Chapman. “On behalf of the entire school, I extend best wishes as they competed with the best and brightest Ontario has to offer in innovation.”
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League trains and inspires young people to think like innovators and to be leaders in science and technology. FIRST engages them in exciting programs that build science, engineering and technology skills and inspire creativity. FIRST also fosters well-rounded life skills including self-confidence, communication and leadership.