Fort Wayne, Indiana – DCBots, a LEGO robotics team representing Delaware County schools, claimed the first place champion position at Science Central’s 11th annual First LEGO League regional competition held today at the popular science center in Fort Wayne. Seven students representing Burris Elementary School, Muncie Community Schools and Yorktown Schools outscored 11 other teams to advance to the state tournament at IPFW on December 14. The team is composed of students in grades 3-7, and is mentored by Tyler Crandall and Joel Replogle. Students on the team are: Nathan Tollett, John Replogle, Jack Eads, Collin Garrison, Colbey Kring, Tommy Rohlfing and Louis Rohlfing. The team had the top score in Robot Performance.
Also advancing to the state tournament is the J.A.B.bots team, representing Fort Wayne Community Schools. Members of the team are: Aaron Krie, Ian Krie, Jordan Davis, Aria Baker, Miyabi Baker, Aiden Baker, Braeden Ray, and Tristan Abbott. The team won first place in Robot Design.
Other awards were presented to Arcola Elementary School for first place in Project; to Summit Middle School for first place in Core Values; and Judges Choice Award was given to Holy Cross Lutheran School from Fort Wayne.
This year’s international challenge, “Nature’s Fury,” is about finding solutions to assist in emergency evacuations caused by severe weather conditions such as hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes and tsunamis. The challenge involves designing technology to deal with emergency procedures: moving individuals to designated shelters, providing supplies, finding shelter and caring for animals during weather emergencies.
Twelve teams, which included more than 120 students ages 9-14 from northeastern Indiana schools, were tasked with the challenge of designing and building an original robot in the First LEGO® League Qualifying Tournament. These teams of children, and their mentors, demonstrated their problem-solving skills, creative thinking, teamwork, competitive play, sportsmanship, and sense of community.
Children involved in FLL solve real-world engineering challenges, discover career possibilities, and learn to make positive contributions to society. FLL teams apply math and science concepts to research, design, build and program autonomous robots; gain hands-on experience solving real-world problems; learn from and interact with adult mentors; and work as a group to overcome obstacles and meet challenges.
Science Central was the primary sponsor for the regional event, with assistance from presenting sponsors General Dynamics and Indiana Tech.
Science Central, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, has provided a hands-on fun learning environment for 18 years. Through our 120+ exhibits, school tours, distance learning programs and weekend public events, we bring the excitement of science and technology to over 130,000 children and adults annually. For more information, visit us on the web at sciencecentral.org <http://www.sciencecentral.org> , or call (260) 424-2400.
