Rutherford Weekly - Shelby NC
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1495060
Page 14 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Thursday, March 16-March 22, 2023 Teams were decked out in competitive fashion in T-shirts bearing their names. Judges and volunteers stood close by watching intently as the students drove their robots to the missions. The audience got their fi rst look at all the teams when they paraded into the gymnasium. They entered to the roars of grandparents, friends and supporters who gathered in the bleachers to cheer on their favorite robotics team. After introductions of all teams, the Cargo Connect action began. Family members were allowed to leave their bleacher seats and gathered around the table to get a better view of the competition as they cheered for their favorite student. Working studiously, the teams were given time warnings as competition drew to a close. "I am extremely proud of the Carolina Isobots Robotics Program and the success of this year's competition," said Kim Carpenter, chief technology offi cer for Rutherford County Schools. "Seeing students' hard work and dedication come to life through their robots is truly inspiring. I believe that by empowering our youth with the skills and knowledge of robotics, we are shaping the future of technology and innovation. I would like to thank the team coaches and everyone involved that helped make this an incredible opportunity for students. Without the commitment of time, talent, and love this program would not be possible," Carpenter said. "The Carolina Isobots competition offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on, real-world learning experiences that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. By investing in this program, the Education Foundation is helping to cultivate the next generation of innovators and leaders who will drive our county forward," said Ritchie Garland, RCS Education Foundation Executive Director. The program brochure explains as a part of broader efforts to prepare all students for college and career success, RCS works to support and sustain a robotics initiative that provides elementary and middle school students opportunities to build essential knowledge and develop critical life skills. Establishing FIRST LEGO League teams that include a wide variety of elementary and middle school students is a key feature of the robotics initiative. During the year, teams learn about programming a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology, completing complex missions on a challenge mat, and collaborating to research and solve a real world problem related to the challenge. Local business and community leaders were encouraged to become mentors, working directly with teams to share their experience and expertise and helping to shape hands-on learning experiences to reach students of all ability levels. Parents served as team volunteers, encouraging and supporting students as they worked through the challenge. All teams were asked to observe the FIRST LEGO League's Core Values — celebrating discovery, teamwork and gracious professionalism. Students were responsible for every aspect of their work while cultivating leadership and collaboration skills. The parade of teams walk before parents, grandparents, friends and supporters as the competition was set to begin. Continued from front page. Rutherfordton Elementary's teams preparing for the competition. The Hydro Bots won fi rst place award for Core Value and the Gatactic Bots won third place for Core Values. Teachers Pam Hodge and Suzanne Cooper are with the teams. Cliffside team members study their next move. Jordon Crowe coaching the Trash Pandaz middle schoolers before their second round of competition. A Harris team member clutching his fi st as the driving begins. The Sunshine Elementary School's Da Buggys champion team with coaches and Rutherford County Schools Superintendent Dr. David Sutton (far right). Carolina Carolina CLASSIFIEDS .com Your Link to Local Classifi eds!