CSCNO engineers success at Great Robotics Challenge (2 photos)

Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario elementary schools put their robotics knowledge to the test Feb. 26 at the 12th annual Great Robotics Challenge

Held at Science North, the contest enables students from grades 4 through 8 to display their creativity, ingenuity and tenacity.

“This friendly competition encourages teamwork while initiating youngsters to the world of engineering and technology,” said a news release from CSCNO.

Each team, comprised of four students, was asked to construct a robot made from LEGO NXT blocks. The robots were then tested in two different contests, which measured the strength and precision of the machines, as well as the success of its programming and level of control by its student masters.

Though the competition primarily measured the efficiency of robots, prizes were also awarded for quality of school banners and a team cheer. This year, a video competition was added to the Challenge.

Winners in the competition:
Junior Division (grades 4 to 6):
1st place: Techno-Jag, École Sacré-Cœur (Chapleau)
2nd place: Robolions, École Ste-Marie (Azilda)
3rd place: Ordillions, École Ste-Marie (Azilda)

Intermediate Division (grades 7 to 8):
1st place: Robots-Lynx, École Alliance St-Joseph (Chelmsford)
2nd place: Engrenages Électriques, École Notre-Dame de la Merci (Coniston)
3rd place: Cyber Loup, École St-Joseph (Sudbury)

Best Banner
Junior Division: Robolions, École Ste-Marie (Azilda)
Intermediate Division: Minérauxbot, École St-Joseph (Dubreuilville)

Best Team Cheer
Junior Division: Robolions, École Ste-Marie (Azilda)
Intermediate Division: Minérauxbot, École St-Joseph (Dubreuilville)