Robots big and small have been built and tested at Massapequa High School this summer during a pair of robotics camps.
Members of the high school robotics team took part in a camp from July 28-31 to start preparing for this year’s competition season. Technology teacher Matt Swanson supervised students as they built the robot for the VEX Robotics events, which begin in November. They will compete against other schools and this year’s challenge will be to use the robot to place blocks into goals throughout the 12-foot by 12-foot competition field.
Their goal was to complete the robot build over the four-day camp so they can focus on programming and practicing once the school year begins.
Junior Caiden K., who has been working with robots since middle school, enjoys the fast-paced nature of the events. Each match is typically two minutes, with four robots in the field at a time in a 2 v. 2 format.
“I like the challenge of it,” Caiden said. “It’s really complex, what we’re doing this year. Every year, the competition is a little different.”
The following week, 35 students entering grades 6-9 attended the Lego Robotics Camp in the high school cafeteria. The annual camp took place from Aug. 4-7 for five hours a day. Students worked with Mr. Swanson and technology teachers Matt Anderer and Mike Spiritis while developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The participants used Lego Spike kits to build their robots, with several yellow bins filled with pieces for them to use. They worked in small groups to create, program and test their robots throughout the week. There were mini-challenges like search and rescue, in which the robots had to go out, retrieve a Lego, and bring it back to the starting point. The week ended with a battle bots competition.
“We want them to get a taste of robotics and engineering,” said Mr. Anderer, who advises the Berner Middle School robotics clubs. “Everybody’s a big Lego fan, so introducing them to the world of robotics through something they already have an interest in is pretty neat.”
It wasn’t an introduction for everyone, like incoming ninth grader Gianna B., who attended the camp for the fourth summer. She enjoys building upon her skills each year, trying the different challenges and learning from the knowledgeable and supportive teachers.
“I like robotics and I like the coding,” said Gianna, who hopes to pursue a career in engineering. “It’s really fun for me. I like the challenge.”