​Local students showcase innovation at Catholic school board LEGO robotics competition

Budding engineers and programmers from across the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board put their skills to the test at a thrilling LEGO robotics competition held at St. Anthony’s School in Kincardine, Friday, March 28.

The event saw enthusiastic students from Grades 4-8 designing, building, and programming robots to autonomously tackle a series of engaging challenges.

The competition featured both a junior and an intermediate division, with teams navigating a round-robin tournament, followed by semi-finals and finals. Each team had to program its robot to complete a number of tasks autonomously, scoring points for each challenge successfully completed.

The atmosphere was charged with excitement and collaborative problem-solving as students cheered on their teammates and observed the ingenuity of their competitors.

Adding to the event's success, the robotics club from St. Mary's High School in Owen Sound played a crucial role, providing mentorship to the elementary teams and serving as knowledgeable judges. Their presence not only offered valuable guidance but also fostered a connection between the different levels of the board's technology and innovation programs.

Nicole Batte, the school board's technology in learning Consultant and organizer of the event, was thrilled with the students' dedication and creativity.

"It was inspiring to witness the students' problem-solving skills and teamwork in action," she said. "They embraced the challenges with such enthusiasm, and the robots they built were truly impressive. This competition provides a fantastic opportunity for them to apply STEM concepts in a fun and engaging way."

Superintendent of education Alex van Wieringen also attended the competition and was impressed by the level of innovation on display.

"This robotics competition is a testament to the talent and potential of our students," he said. "The skills they are developing through this program, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and computational thinking, are essential for their future success. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the support provided by our staff and the St. Mary's High School robotics club."

The school board is committed to fostering innovation, and providing students with opportunities to explore and excel in STEM fields. The LEGO robotics competition serves as a shining example of this commitment, igniting a passion for technology and problem-solving in young learners.