The Robo Dawgs #9311 and Advanced Skilltronics #9476 have been hard at work this fall for the OMS FIRST Tech Challenge. These Robotics teams design, build, and then compete with their robots. Their task during the building season is to get the robot to complete certain tasks set forth by the FIRST Tech Challenge program. Their challenge this year, described by FIRST, is a game where they score green and purple “artifacts” (5-inch balls) by shooting them into their alliance’s goal. The kids have to be strategic so their robot can pull in the ball, point it at the target, then shoot to score.

“As a coach, it is incredible to see students use real-world skills out of the classroom,” says one of the coaches, and OMS science teacher, Jen Sutton. “They started the season with a brainstorming session and have now turned their ideas of a robot into a fully functioning robot, complete with LED lights.”

The competition is about much more than just the game and scoring points; they learn key soft skills that help them in the competition and in life. “Students also go in front of judges and have a 10-minute interview about the process of the season, community outreach, and more,” she adds. Part of their outreach involved taking their robots to Dix Street and giving a short presentation to the 5th grade classes.

The first competition in Grand Rapids at Ottawa Hills High School on November 8th. The RoboDawgs placed 12th with a record of 3-2, and the Advanced Skilltronics placed 20th with a record of 2-3, out of 37 total teams.  The second and final competition of the season was at Fruitport High School on November 22nd. The RoboDawgs again placed 12th with a 3-2 record and the Advanced Skilltronics placed 26th with a 2-3 record.

Congratulations Bulldogs on a successful season!