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Robotics teams advance to state

| December 27, 2018 12:00 AM

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Pictured here are the Lab Geeks team, from left to right in green: Evan Storms, Elizibeth Fields, Teresa Sacksteder, Noah Clark, Tyler Engelbrecht and, Jamie Hampsch. The A2Z Robotics team (in blue, left to right) are Aidan Antal, Coach Laszlo Antal, Javan Tesky, Heather Antal, Ethan Antal kneeling: Ezekeal Sperling, Ellie Kladar.

A2Z Robotics and Lab Geeks, robotics teams from Christian Center School in Hayden, competed Dec. 15 in Bonners Ferry at a state-qualifying tournament for FIRST LEGO League and earned trips to state.

A2Z Robotics won both the Robot Games Award and the Champions Award, which earned them a place at the State Championship Tournament at the University of Idaho in January.

This year the program included 10 students ranging from sixth through eighth-grade. They sent two teams to the qualifying round in Bonners Ferry. Both teams earned a spot in the state championship tournament.

This year’s theme was “Into Orbit.”

Teams were tasked with identifying a physical or social problem encountered during long-term space exploration. They then had to develop a solution to the identified problem.

A2Z Robotics focused on the effects of long-term radiation exposure on the human body, while Lab Geeks centered their project on the effects of stress and how to alleviate it during space travel.

FIRST LEGO League provides an opportunity for tomorrow’s innovators to practice imaginative thinking and teamwork.

Guided by two or more adult coaches, FIRST LEGO League teams are comprised of up to 10 members in fourth through eigth grades. They research a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc. and are challenged to develop a solution. They also must design, build and program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS, then compete on a table-top playing field.

“The success of the program is inspiring and unexpected," said Heather Antal, the program’s coordinator and co-coach. "This is only our second year and we made it to the state championship two years in a row,” 

The Robot Games Award is given to the team with the highest overall score in the timed robot challenge. Teams have three 2.5-minute rounds to complete as many missions as possible and earn points.

A2Z Robotics scored 104 points in their final round — the only team to break the 100-point mark. The Champions Award is based on top scores and all-around achievement in the project, core values and robot design presentations.

The school’s robotics teams will share their research, innovations, robot designs and run missions on the game board at 6 p.m. on Jan. 16 at Christian Center School, 3639 W. Prairie Ave., Hayden.

Concessions will be offered to help raise funds for the teams’ registration fees and expenses for the state tournament on Jan. 26. Call 208-772-7542 for information.