McKinley Elementary School Robotics Teams Achieve Success at Regional Qualifier Tournaments
XENIA, Ohio (January 10, 2024) – McKinley Elementary School’s FLL LEGO Robotics teams made a strong showing at recent regional qualifier tournaments, earning accolades and securing a spot at the upcoming district competition.
X Marks the Box Team’s Achievements
The “X Marks the Box” team, comprised of dedicated fourth and fifth graders, demonstrated exceptional teamwork and innovation at the regional qualifier tournament held on December 9, 2023. Their impressive performance earned them fifth place overall out of 14 teams, propelling them to the district competition scheduled for January 27, 2024, at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
In addition to their overall placement, the X Marks the Box team was recognized for their exemplary sportsmanship and kindness, receiving the Motivate Award. Their coach, Tim Carey, was also honored with the Coach/Mentor Award, a testament to his dedication and guidance.
Superintendent’s Perspective
Dr. Gabriel Lofton, Superintendent of Xenia Community Schools, expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments and emphasized the importance of hands-on STEM learning for young minds. “These robotics programs provide our students with invaluable opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills,” he said. “Their success at the regional qualifier tournaments is a reflection of their hard work and the dedication of our coaches and volunteers.”
Second McKinley LEGO Robotics Team’s Participation
A second McKinley LEGO Robotics team, led by Coach Cara Disalvo, also competed in a separate regional qualifier tournament on January 7, 2024, at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. While they did not advance to the district competition, the team demonstrated commendable teamwork and enthusiasm throughout the tournament.
LEGO Robotics Competition Components
The LEGO Robotics competition encompasses more than just building and programming robots. Teams are also tasked with completing an innovation project, which involves identifying a problem based on the annual theme and designing an innovative solution. For the 2023-2024 season, both McKinley teams collaborated on an innovation project focused on creating tactile art for the blind.
Their project involved developing a method for creating tactile art using LEGO bricks, enabling visually impaired individuals to experience and appreciate art in a new and engaging way. The students meticulously designed and constructed various tactile art pieces, incorporating different textures, shapes, and colors to create a multisensory experience.
Collaboration with Experts
To gain insights and feedback for their innovation project, the robotic teams invited Richard Payne, Ohio Chapter president of the National Foundation of the Blind, and Molly Brockman, owner/curator of Beyond Vision Art, to speak to the students.
During their visit, students shared their tactile art creations with Payne and Brockman, receiving positive feedback and guidance for their project. Payne commended the students for their thoughtful approach and attention to detail, while Brockman offered suggestions for enhancing the tactile experience and making the art more accessible to a diverse audience.
Plans for an Art Show
Inspired by the positive feedback from Payne and Brockman, the students expressed their interest in continuing to develop their tactile art project. Molly Brockman enthusiastically embraced this idea and proposed organizing an art show specifically for the blind community.
The art show would provide a platform for the students to showcase their tactile art creations and share their passion for art with a broader audience. Brockman offered her expertise in curating and promoting the event, ensuring that the art show would be an inclusive and meaningful experience for all attendees.
Coach Carey’s Remarks
Coach Tim Carey expressed his pride in the students’ achievements and their receptiveness to feedback from experts in the field. “The students were incredibly enthusiastic about learning from Mr. Payne and Ms. Brockman,” he said. “They eagerly incorporated their suggestions into their project, demonstrating their commitment to creating a truly impactful innovation project.”
Carey also highlighted the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment. “Our team’s success is a testament to the dedication of our coaches, volunteers, and the unwavering support of the McKinley Elementary School community,” he added.
Conclusion
The McKinley Elementary School robotics teams have demonstrated remarkable achievements at regional qualifier tournaments, earning recognition for their innovation, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Their dedication to hands-on STEM learning and their commitment to creating a positive impact in their community are truly inspiring. As they prepare for the upcoming district competition, we wish them continued success and look forward to witnessing their ongoing journey of discovery and innovation.