CAMANCHE —
A whole new world of career possibilities and learning outside the classroom is opened to fourth-graders through their involvement in the robotics team.
This year’s group is no exception, continuing the ambitious legacy started by the current middle school team, also known as last year’s Team Tobor.
“This is a wonderful group of students,” Robotics Team Coach and Gifted Education Teacher Sheryl Kennedy said. “I am not directing them; they are constantly evaluating and coming up with ideas and solutions.”
Team S.H.I.N.E, which stands for Super Handy Intelligent Navigating Endeavor, proved its namesake and then some at this year’s competitions.
The group of 10 dedicated youngsters won the category of Best Robot Design at the F.I.R.S.T. Lego League Regional tournament in December, which catapulted them into the state competition in Ames last weekend.
While the kids didn’t place or win any awards at the state level, they finished in the top 10 percent and held their own as one of the youngest teams in a field of predominately seventh- and eighth-grade teams.
And the lessons learned go far beyond the awards ceremony.
“I learned teamwork and to be a better listener,” team member Madison Thompson said. “We met lots of interesting people and had lots of fun.”
This group of 9 and 10 year olds, aren’t going to waste time dwelling on their losses.
“It’s more important to learn and have fun than it is to win,” Zach Schutte said.
At state, the team had five events to compete in: project (research and presentation skills), core values (teamwork), robotic programming and structure evaluation, and three different robot matches. The team presented in front of thousands of spectators.
In addition to programming their robot, constructing obstacles and working on missions, the kids had to prepare a project to solve a real-life problem. This year’s theme was helping seniors stay connected and involved in the community. After putting their brains together, they came up with several props to make the lives of seniors safer and easier such as a digital identification walking cane, a sensor for stoves that could help ward off house fires and other items.
All the inventions were senior approved. The team went to Eagle Point Nursing and Rehab Center to interview seniors and get ideas.
Teams also are judged on core values, including working as a team, finding guidance and learning with mentors, honoring friendly competition and treating each other with respect and kindness.
“We learned to be gracious professionals and help others,” Zayne Feller said. “We helped a sixth grade coach that was new to the competition.”
These students were so dedicated to the team that they put in extra hours after school and often gave up recess time to work on S.H.I.N.E. For some the opportunity to be a part of the team has helped them discover future ambitions.
“My favorite part was being at Iowa State, where I want to go to school to become an electrical engineer,” Bella Sager said.
Kennedy puts extra work and time into leading the group, because of the important life lessons it offers her students.
“I enjoy the way it makes kids think,” Kennedy said. “There are no right or wrong answers, but there is always a choice and something you can do better. It’s a really important life lesson.”
When asked whether they will compete in the F.I.R.S.T Lego League again, the students did everything but jump for joy as they all replied in unison an overwhelming “yes.”
“I’m already excited for the theme for next year, ‘Nature’s Fiery,” Riley Sowle said. “That sounds really fun. I already have some ideas.”
Top News
Related Photos
-
Zayne Feller (using robot), a member of the Camanche Elementary Robotics Team, demonstrates how to complete a mission with the robot S.H.I.N.E on Wednesday. The group of fourth-graders had a strong finish in the state competition last weekend. Natalie Conrad/Clinton Herald
Discussion
January 24, 2013
Camanche Robotics Team teaches life lessons
- Top News
-
-
Okla. front pages capture tornado aftermath
View how several Oklahoma newspapers covered Monday's massive tornado in Moore. Please note that officials revised the death toll downward early Tuesday morning after some papers were printed, but it is expected to climb again as recovery efforts continue.
- Event to benefit cultural center CLINTON -- The third annual 5K run/walk to benefit the St. Irenaeus Cultural Center will be held Memorial Day. The "When the Saints Go Marchin' In" starts at 8 a.m. Monday outside of St. Irenaeus at 2811 N. Second St. Runners and walkers can register
-
LIVE BLOG: Ongoing Okla. tornado coverage
A massive tornado touched down Monday afternoon in Moore, Okla., just south of Oklahoma City. Follow live coverage of the aftermath of the storm.
-
VIDEO: Pres. Obama's remarks on the Okla. tornado
President Obama speaks on Monday's deadly Okla. tornado.
-
High hopes as season starts
In Kevin Cunningham’s first season as Clinton High baseball coach, the River Kings surprised opponents and put together a 20-14 season.
-
What you need to know about preparing for tornadoes
Tornado survivors and seasoned observers suggest people do two simple things to prepare for tornadoes: Know where to take shelter, and move quickly when the time comes.
-
VIDEO: Tumblr sold to Yahoo! for $1.1 billion
Yahoo! has purchased Tumblr for $1.1 billion, hoping to compete more effectively with sites like Google and Facebook.
-
Indians earn 2nd in hurdles
Thomas Brantley, Devin Norman, Shykeem Williams and Mike Osaro were all smiles after seeing that their time in the finals of the Class 2A shuttle hurdle relay was their best ever.
-
Fitness club is expanding
CLINTON — Less than two years after opening, the Iron Horse Fitness Club is more than tripling their space by moving to the former Rodeo Saloon and Feedhouse. Owners Ashley and Brad Gendreau, 31, of Thomson, Ill., will move by August from the locatio
- A few issues to be resolved This past week was once again rumored to be the last week for legislators at the Statehouse, but while many of the major budget bills were agreed upon, a few of the most stubborn issues remain to be resolved. The House and Senate have now agreed on h
- More Top News Headlines
-
