The alarms were set for 6:15 am this Sunday morning, as five of our families readied their children to be up and ready to go for the start of the First Lego League's (FLL) robotics tournament at Chisnallwood Intermediate at 8:00 am. This year's theme was about the problems the elderly face through the aging process - 'Senior Solutions'.
The children held it together through a full day of Presentations and interviews about their Project Inquiry and their innovative solution to a real-world problem, a team-work challenge, an interview about their understanding and practice of the FLL Core Values, further interviews about robot design, programming and development, and then on top of that 3 opportunities to run their robot over a raft of challenging missions and select the best score..... phew!.... The team was still holding their heads high at 4 pm for the Award Ceremony. And yes, all this is about having FUN!
We are delighted to announce that our very own 'Springston Strikers' have come out on top with the 'Champion's Award' for the Christchurch Regional Event. To achieve this very special award, the team had to perform well across all areas of the FLL Competition. The Award recognises a team that embodies the FLL experience, by fully embracing the Core Values while achieving excellence and innovation in both the Robot Game and Project.Congratulations to: Oliver G, Freddie G, Jack M, Georgia G, Haidee M and Dylan S for their strength of character, dedication to the entire programme, and their pursuit of excellence.
The team now looks forward to travelling to Auckland on 24 November for the National Finals of what is actually an international competition, with the World Festival being held in St Louis, Missouri, USA in April 2013.
We'd like to thank all the people who helped the team achieve this result: Charles Manning (Mentor), our Elderly Partners (Steve and Gary), Dr Stefanie Gutschmidt (University of Canterbury Mechanical Engineer), Nicki Singer (Anthony Wilding Retirement Village), Jenny (Parkinson's Disease and MS Society), Kathleen (Nurse Maude Health and Mobility Shop), Ned Dawson (plastics and springs manufacturer), class teachers and Liz for generously allowing the team out of class time for preparation, and all the parents involved who supported everything they did.
Yahoo. Awesome work. You must have utilised all of your resources. Well done to all the staff who made this possible as well. The hats are fantastic. I look forward to seeing you in the world championships. Remember to reach for the stars!!!! Nicki Singleton
ReplyDeleteWell done everyone. I am sorry I could not make the competition.
ReplyDeleteIt is great to win awards. Well done!
The real prize though is what you have learned about problem solving, team work, explaining your ideas to others and dealing with frustrations when things don't work right all the time. These are useful skills that will serve you for the rest of your life.
The one person not getting enough recognition here is Carol. Without her organizational skills, persistence and innovation in developing the teaching material none of this would have happened. Big hug for Carol!