Robotics programs give students hands-on experience in applying essential Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) concepts to real-world problems. Students can learn how to program their own robots to move, make noise, light up, and follow other instructions as directed. In MPISD, students in the elementary and middle school Robotics program construct their robots from the ground up, design what they want it to look like, program it to complete certain tasks, and learn to drive it using iPad technology.

Four teams from E.C. Brice Elementary and two teams from Wallace Middle School competed in the first annual Texas Youth Robotics Alliance competition on Wednesday, November 30 at the Sulphur Springs Civic Center. The competition featured 30 teams of elementary and middle school students from the surrounding area. Each team participated in three qualification matches using the Go, Go Cargo! challenge.

Go, Go Cargo! challenges teams to design a robot to help them gather and move cargo, install cranes, and lay down rails. Matches consisted of two periods: a 30-second autonomous period followed by a 90-second driver-controlled period. During the 30-second autonomous period, robots move on their own according to programs entered by the students to accomplish predetermined tasks and earn points. During the 90-second driver-controlled period, teams remotely control their robot to accomplish tasks and earn points. At the end, referees assess points and calculate the total match score.

At the end of the qualification matches, the top 16 teams advanced to the finals tournament. Wallace Team 1(Omar Castaneda, Adrian Nava, Ryan Hughes, and Aidan Lane) and Cowbots (Shane Dimon, Kolten Heeren, Joceylyn Martinez, Kadence Stephens, Miguel Perez, and Abraham Tovar) from E.C. Brice were named finalists at their first-ever competition. Also competing for MPISD were Wallace Team 2 (Josue Aguilar, Ian Crockett, and Christian Maldonado), Terminators (Tana Contreras, Enrique Guzman, Arianna Baron, Edgar Santiago, Esteban Garcia, and Paola Fernandez), Robotic Warriors (Samuel Smith, Demian Jimenez, Alejandro Perez, Cristofer Ruiz, Erick Castaneda, and Gavin Williams), and Creative Unicorns (Victoria Trejo, Emmalyn Thurman, Adrianna De Santiago, Andre Medina, Natalia Portales, and Myah Valdez).

The MPISD Robotics teams will compete again in Clarksville on January 7 with the hope of qualifying for the January 27 meet at Region 8. They are advised by Tara Flores at Wallace Middle School and Jamie King at the elementary campuses.

Photos:

1: The Cowbots team watches as their robot moves according to their programming.

2: The Creative Unicorns drive their robot during the driver-controlled period.

3: The Robotic Warriors make some final adjustments before their match starts.

4: The Terminators drive their robot using an iPad.

5: Wallace Team 2 drives their robot and attempts to pick up nerf bullets.

6: Wallace Team 1pushes an item across the playing surface.