|
Bubblebrains headed to state |
|
Friday, 18 December 2009 |
|
By MELANIE MOORE
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
BLACKFOOT — Students at the Idaho Science and Technology Charter School realized the efforts of their hard work when they competed in the 2009 FIRST LEGO League Regional Qualifier in Idaho Falls Saturday.  (The Morning News — Melanie Moore) Members of the Crazy Robots at Play team watch as their robot maneuvers around the course. Teams scored points for picking up rings, knocking over walls and hitting switches on the course.
Seventh-grader Blake Anderson said his team’s robot still needed some work when they arrived at the tournament, so they missed watching the other teams compete. Because of that, they had no idea how well they had performed.
“When we saw we were at the top of the list we were extremely relieved,” Anderson said. “It was very exciting and definitely worth all the work.”
The other four teams from ISTCS also performed well, and may still qualify for the state tournament. Teacher and coach Chad Majeske said the scores from each regional qualifier will be compiled and a number of additional teams will qualify for the state tournament.
In the meantime, all the teams are working to improve their robots, hoping for a chance to compete in the state tournament.
The team Crazy Robots at Play had one of the most unique robot designs from ISTCS. The six-member team assembled its robot with a large arm designed to pick up loops along the course for extra points. They also used treads instead of wheels, and recently added gears for better stability.
The Crazy Robots at Play performed well in their presentation, robot design and teamwork, and while they had a few setbacks with their robot on the course, they still may qualify for the state tournament.
In the meantime, they and the other teams continue working on their robots, hoping for a chance to participate in the state tournament.
“We’re going to keep practicing,” Majeske said.
|
|
Last Updated ( Saturday, 19 December 2009 )
|
