Students show off robots during annual RoboGASTON competition
Cheers and excitement filled the gymnasium at Forestview High School on March 10 as hundreds of elementary and middle school students showed off their computer programming and research skills during RoboGASTON 2018 .
New Hope Elementary School ’ s robotics team , the “ H20 Overachievers ,” and Holbrook Middle School ’ s robotics team , “ Team E . C . H . O .,” took overall top honors in the annual Gaston County Schools robotics competition .
“ This group of students held true to the First Lego League core values ,” said Holbrook Middle School robotics coach Jonathan Robinson . “ They had fun , worked hard , shared experiences , showed gracious professionalism , learned a tremendous amount about hydrodynamics , and enjoyed friendly competition . It was an honor for Mrs . Dobson and me to be able to coach this group of young adults .”
New Hope Elementary , which placed first last year in the regional competition , continued their success at RoboGASTON .
“ We ’ re so excited for our team and proud of their hard work ,” said New Hope robotics coaches Caroline Sloan and Shelly Burke . “ Our students were responsible for all the programming and building this year and felt more ownership in winning the competition . We are blessed to coach such a great group of students who support and encourage each other and shine brightly in all they do .”
Below is a list of the award winners from RoboGASTON 2018 .
• Elementary School RoboGASTON Champion : New Hope Elementary , H2O Overachievers
• Middle School RoboGASTON Champion : Holbrook Middle , Team E . C . H . O .
• Elementary School RoboGASTON Runner-Up : Pinewood Elementary , Hydroflow
• Middle School RoboGASTON Runner-Up : W . C . Friday Middle , T . G . I . Friday
• Middle School First Place Robot Runs : Bessemer City • Middle , Roaring Robotic Tigers
• Elementary School First Place Robot Runs : Carr Elementary , The Carr Row-bots
• Elementary School Second Place Robot Runs : Woodhill Elementary , Robo Hornets
• Middle School First Place Project Presentation : Stanley Middle , Cyber Savages
• Elementary School First Place Project Presentation : Lowell Elementary , Circuit Breakers
• Elementary School Second Place Project Presentation : Belmont Central Elementary , HydroEagles
• Middle School First Place Teamwork : Cramerton Middle , Aqua Eagles
• Elementary First Place Teamwork : Sadler Elementary , Hydrogators
• Elementary Second Place Teamwork : Tryon Elementary , Electric EELS
• Overall Judges Award : H . H . Beam Elementary , H2Beam Bulldogs
• Overall Gracious Professionalism : Kiser Elementary , Tigertronics
The event was the culmination of a year of practice and learning for the students , who have concentrated on how to build and program LEGO robots to carry out various tasks or “ missions .” In addition to the robot runs , teams were graded on their research presentation and teamwork .
“ I ’ ve had a really wonderful time participating in the robotics program ,” said Teddy Hibberd , a sixth grade student at Belmont Middle School . “ It ’ s been a great experience , and it has helped me learn a lot of new things about our community .”
“ The robotics program allows students to solve problems , make judgements and decisions , work with others , and think creatively ,” said mathematics curriculum facilitator Diane Price , who coordinated the annual competition . “ Additionally , students learn to work independently , set goals , manage projects , and understand accountability for materials and timelines .”
A special thank you to the Gastonia East Rotary Club and Elevation Church for helping to sponsor RoboGASTON .
Parent Teacher Magazine • May / June 2018 • 9