The first portion of the competition requires the team to design, build and program a Lego Mindstorm robot capable of performing tasks on an obstacle course, interacting with structures on the course in a variety of way. Points were awarded for each task successfully completed within each 150 second match. A fair level of strategy was involved to determine the cost versus the benefit awarded for each task. The team was interviewed regarding their strategy, programming, and robot design. Wooster scored 146 points, second highest of the day, just 11 points out of first place.
The team was also responsible for completing a science fair project, creating a "product" in the process. This year's theme was "Animal Allies." Wooster chose to assist in treating "White Nose Syndrome" which is killing off millions of bats in the United States. A cold-tolerant fungus can grow on bats that irritate their noses causing them to awake from hibernation. As water is frozen, and the bats cannot find insects to eat, they die of thirst or hunger. Researchers have found a bacteria, rhodococcus rhodochrous, which is used to prevent premature spoiling of fruit, is an effective treatment on the fungus. The Wooster team designed and created an automatic bacteria delivery system. They built a bat house and a micro-controller operated pump. This pump waits for darkness and then a delay period (to ensure the bats have left the house) and then sprays the bat house landing pad with a solution containing the bacteria. It then waits for daylight to begin the process again. The delay period is programmable as is the amount sprayed and frequency of application (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) Wooster was the only team to show a functioning prototype and received first prize for the "Most Innovative Project."
The third portion of the project involved the First Lego League Core Values. These are:
- We are a team.
- We do the work to find solutions with guidance from our coaches and mentors.
- We know our coaches and mentors don't have all the answers; we learn together.
- We honor the spirit of friendly competition.
- What we discover is more important than what we win.
- We share our experiences with others.
- We display Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition® in everything we do.
- We have FUN!
The team was interviewed by the judges in regards to these core values and had to complete a team-based task. The team coaches were nervously waiting outside when this occurred.
At the end of the day, the team earned the third of six "Golden Tickets," inviting Wooster to the State Finals. A special thanks goes to the parents for their support during the late practices and competition. Good luck Generals on Saturday!
To learn more, visit http://www.woosterschool.org/ or contact Wooster School Admissions at (203) 830-3916.