Perennial student robotic teams in grades nine-12 from East Hamilton, Ooltewah and Central high schools will face new competition from Hixson High and The Howard School teams as they compete in the Chattanooga State sponsored VEX Robotics Competition on Nov. 3. Each school will provide two to three teams this year. Central High School is sending an all-girls robotics team – a first for this annual event.
"The competition is serious business between high school teams who aim to build the best robot that will get the job done and earn bragging rights along with the team trophy to take back to their school," officials said.
Teams of students design and build a robot to play against other teams in a game-based engineering challenge. Robots are built from parts that resemble erector set pieces. Once built, the robots are programmed for movement using a remote control. Time starts when the robot begins moving. Within eight minutes, the driver and his or her robot must gather as many balls as possible, place them onto an obstacle course playing field, advance the robot to the entry ramp, and begin picking up the balls and placing them in one of five holders with varying degrees of difficulty on the field.
"VEX Robotics embraces explorative STEM learning. This competition challenges students to not only use critical thinking skills, but also to pay close attention to the laws of physics so that their robot moves quickly and easily, can carry weight and move without tipping, as well as function properly.
'The teams are judged on the design and maneuverability of their robots, the number of balls actually placed, and at what difficulty level they succeed.
'It’s not too late to form a team. Any school may register a team for the 2017 competition," officials said.
The day begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m. Lunch is provided. Contact Samantha Travis by Oct. 25 at samantha.travis@chattanoogastate.edu, or call 423-697-5514.