Ping pong panic at BFHS robotics camp

-- Photo courtesy JILL KATZ Tyson Tatlock adds an attachment to his team’s robot at the Ping Pong Panic summer robotics camp.

-- Photo courtesy JILL KATZ Brodie Becker and Luke Smith receive robot driving directions from mentor Neil Martin.

by Neil Martin Correspondent
| August 11, 2016 1:00 AM

-- Photo courtesy JILL KATZ Brodie Becker and Luke Smith receive robot driving directions from mentor Neil Martin.

BONNERS FERRY — For many people, the word “robot” brings to mind industrial machines working around the clock for one singular purpose. This was not at all the case for the 20 kids, grades four through six, who participated in the recent four-day LEGO Robotics Camp hosted by the BFHS FIRST Robotic Team 2130 Alpha+.

The camp was organized and conducted solely by the high school team members, whose goal was to introduce younger students to the joys of computer programming and robotics. This year’s game, “Ping Pong Panic,” challenged campers to push, pull or carry ping pong balls to various goals on a four-by-four-foot field using only LEGOs, a miniature computer known as the NXT device and their imaginations.

The students were divided into four teams, each accompanied by a high school mentor. The students were guided through the building process -- brainstorming, designing, prototyping and final construction. When each of the four teams completed their unique robots, they were tasked with programming their computers to complete specific actions through the use of attachments or various sensors.

Teams also practiced valuable concepts such as “gracious professionalism,” the idea that despite ongoing competition, teams should be helpful and civil to one another. As a result, students were seen lending needed LEGOs to other teams and genuinely recognizing the efforts of others.

At the end of the four days, each of the teams participated in a final ranked competition, enthusistically showing other teams and their parents what they had learned. Each team’s robot successfully maneuvered around the board and scored pinp pong balls, making for a very exciting finale.

As a result of participating in the camp, Alpha+ members hope that students will join a FIRST LEGO League robotics team upon reaching Boundary County Middle School. The camp would not have been possible without the appreciated help of team mentors, the BCMS robotics teams, parents and community members who were involved. Alpha+ is looking forward to hosting another robotics camp next year.