Emily and William Robotics Final Practice and Competition

Since Grace and Juliet's season was over, I was finally able to go on a Thursday to Emily and William's practice!  Sadly, it was the final one of the year.  Their robotics coach had a checklist for each group, which was immensely helpful for me, because even though I didn't know what exactly needed to be done, sometimes the kids did, or I could try to work it out, since the coach was being asked a million question as minute.

I wasn't sure whether or not I would get to take pictures of the kids with the robot at the competition, so I did it in the classroom.

Competition was in Battle Creek, which is about an hour away.  We had to be there at 7, so it was an early wake up!  There was hardly any traffic to speak of, until we got close to the school, then it was obvious as to where the competition was!

Everyone had to wear safety goggles in the pit, but William was sporting his at our table in the cafeteria. He looks adorable though!

And Emily is so pretty, even in oversized plastic goggles! <3

Schedule for the day.

During their regular sessions, some of the 9th graders from the team last year, would stop by to help build the robot and code.  While I'm sure the help was welcomed, it meant that this year's middle schoolers weren't doing quite as much of the heavy lifting.  

So, Emily spent most of her day finally getting to code and adjust the robot!

There was a hiccough at the start, that the robot was too big, and they had to scramble to adjust it, or be disqualified.  They figured it out, but it kind of set the tone for the day.

The team going in for the judging!  They had a big group this year!

One of the teams had a fancy cart for their robot!

The challenge was to collect as many 'samples' as you could, while paired with another team.  Some of the teams had some really cool preprogrammed code.

Let me back up and explain how the competition works.  They have 2 minutes total.  The first 30 seconds, the robots run a preprogrammed code, and can store points during this time.  Some of the 'samples' were outside of the pit in particular locations, which allowed you to program the robot.  This part was very similar to what the twins did in their competition.

The second part of the time was for the robot to collect samples and put them in the bucket or bring them over to 'home' where a human player would add an attachment for them to hang them on the pit bars, while being controlled by two 'drivers.'  

At the very end, the robots could 'climb' the pit bars for extra points!

They went a total of four rounds, and each time scored more points!

William was on the outreach team, so his part was kind of finished.  His favorite part of the day was collecting buttons from all of the tables.

Emily was a driver at the start of the day.

So many buttons!

William was a 'coach' later in the day.

During some of the lulls, where everyone was just hanging out, I walked over to a thrift store.  I didn't buy much, since I knew I would be carrying it with me, but it was fun to shop, even if the walk was a bit chilly.

Sadly, they did not place high enough to progress.  So, we left around 4.  We went to the mall to shop for William some shoes, but he didn't find any that he liked.  We also went to the Horrock's there, and it is a very different experience than going to the one in Lansing!

After seeing some of the impressive robots they have built, it is super inspiring!  I'll give as much time and energy to the teams my kids want to join in the future!  But for now, I'm glad the season is over for everyone!

later days