• First Lego League: Robotics STEM Competition – Solar SySTEM!

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    Very excited!  Their team won a 1st place Trophy and a Gold Ticket to the SC State Robotics Competition!

    The girls Solar SySTEM Lego Robotics STEM Club team went to the regional competitions this past weekend!  It was a long and busy Saturday day.  We left the house before sun up so we could be in Seneca by 7:20 am and didn’t get home until after 6 pm that night.  The girls team had several rounds at the competition.  They were scored in multiple areas and did well!

    Three rounds of their robot completing tasks on the map which they scored pretty high on.  Another part of the competition was their core values which is their team spirit and how they interact with the other teams.  They have to give a presentation on this piece as well in front of the judges.  Another piece of the competition was their research, project, and presentation which the kids presented in front of the judges on their own.  They won the first place trophy in this category (on their research, project, and presentation).

    The work is done by the students from the logo design, research, development, presentations, and so much more!  The team worked so well together and put in a lot of hours working on their research, development, robotics, and project. They do the majority of their work in front of the judges with no coaches or parents in the room (we can’t even watch, but thankfully they had it video taped).  The only piece the parents and coaches can watch is the one when they do their robotic map missions otherwise they are on their own once in the room and in front of the judges.

    The team pick a solar system theme.  They named their team the Solar SySTEM and the catch phrase is “Stay in Orbit”!  The research project they decided to do was to build a computer game that would help kids learn more about the solar system.  They named their robot, SpaceBot!

    It was a super busy and long day for the kids, but they were awesome.  There were 21 teams competing that day so it was a real honor to win a trophy and get the opportunity to move forward.  Their hard work really paid off with the trophy and qualifying for the SC Competition!  WooHoo!  Very proud of the girls and their team!

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    Playing a hangman game before competition starts!

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    Karlie all smiles after the first robotic map round when they scored all 100 points!

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    Their robot going through the tasks on the map!

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    Brina hanging up their spirit posters.

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    Their team going through the tasks on the robot map!

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    Watching carefully to make sure the robot goes through all its tasks!

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    Gathering some of the props for their presentation!

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    Karlie ready to go speak!

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    Coming back after their presentation!  They rocked it and got the 1st place trophy!!!

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    Getting their trophy!

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    Karlie with Mrs. Johnson one of their coaches who also teaches STEM Lab and her GT class!

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    Solar SySTEM team and coaches!  They did AWESOME!!!

  • STEM Robotics Club Co-Opertition Event

    STEM Robotic Cooperation Event

    The kids robot performing its first tasks!

    Recently the kids STEM Robotics team had their Co-Opertition Event to test their robot.  They had two practice rounds to see how their robot performed on the new map for the upcoming competition.  The first tasks went smoothly, but they had a hang-up on one of the targets towards the end.  It was a good trial run to see what areas they need to work on for their robot.  The team did really well and had a good turn out.  They have learned a lot through their STEM Club.

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    In between sessions the leaders of the group brought a bunch of cool activities for the kids to do to pass the time (crossword puzzles, photos to cut out, poster boards to make, coloring books, puzzles, crafts, blocks, and more fun stuff).  The kids had a blast and the time between sessions flew by quickly with them doing the various fun activities!  Good Job Teachers for thinking ahead!  The teachers also brought fresh fruit, nuts, and bottled water as a snack for the kids.

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    Thankful for the teachers and volunteers who invest so much time and energy into the kids and STEM Club.  They really are outstanding and foster a true love of learning.  STEM Club has been a truly amazing learning, team building, and educational experience for both of our kids.  The first thing the leaders said when joining the team is “It will be the hardest fun you will ever have!” They expect all the team members to work hard, but they have fun learning together!

  • STEM Club & Lego Robotics

    STEM Club & Lego Robotics

    Adorable Robot snack for the STEM Club Celebration!

    The girls applied for the STEM Club and were accepted!  Congratulations GIRLS!!!   They took a lot of time filling out their applications and waited patiently to hear the news.  Their hard work paid off.  They are so EXCITED!  We have started another year of STEM Club and Lego Robotics.

    Mrs. Johnson, one of the teachers that helps with STEM Club made super cute robot snacks for all the kids to enjoy during the STEM Club Celebration.  The robot was a juice box with four starbursts on the bottom for feet, two airheads for arms, two nuggets for head, and googly eyes.  The kids thought they were awesome.  So thoughtful and creative!

    They are already working hard at STEM Club.  There is a lot work ahead of them before the robotics competition in January, but they are off to a good start.  Thankful for this opportunity for them to learn.  In order for them to remain in STEM Club they had to sign a “contract” saying they would attend meetings (if they miss more than three they will be asked to leave), keep up their grades, and more.

    STEM Club Annoucement

    WooHoo!  They got into STEM Club!  Here is part of their acceptance letters!

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    Karlie enjoying her robot snack!

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    Brina having fun at the STEM Club Celebration!

  • Lego Mania at Roper Mountain Science Center Robotics Camp

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    Lego Mania Event

    The girls attended Advanced Lego Robotics Camp at Roper Mountain Science Center this summer!  They always love the events at Roper Mountain.  The camp was packed full of learning and fun.  They got to make a variety of robotic items throughout the week.  Halfway through the week the kids put on a Lego Mania activity for the parents.  They created a carnival with moving rides, water parks, and more fun creations!

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    Karlie created the only dual robotic Ferris Wheels.

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    Pausing for a brief moment by Brina’s Ferris Wheel – hers went faster!

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    Karlie made an interactive Time Machine Restaurant!  That would be neat!

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    Brina’s Water Fun adventure, complete with a seesaw on the water!

     

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    Karlie made an “Oh No!” Waterpark – complete with slides, tubes, and more fun!