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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.
 
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