On Sunday, December 8th, the St. Joseph School FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Robotics Team competed in the Worcester FLL Qualifier Event at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
This year’s challenge theme was City Shaper. Therefore, in addition to competing with an autonomous robot that the team designed and programmed to solve missions, the team had to identify a real-world problem that exists within a building or public space in their community, design an innovative solution that adds value to society, and share their solution with others.
The SJS team, also known as the Powerline Pigeons, worked with several local experts including George O’Neil, architect from Gorman, Richardson, Lewis Architects, Paul McCarthy from Garaventa Lifts, and school custodian, Dan Gion to identify areas within their building that could be improved to make the school more accessible to handicap individuals. The team utilized the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Checklist for Existing Facilities that focuses on four areas: accessible approach and entrance, access to goods and services, access to toilet rooms, and access to water fountains. Ultimately, they identified an area in their school where a Limited Use Limited Access (LULA) elevator could be installed to assist with entrance into and the building. They worked to design a ramp (including height and length requirements), as well as the overall specifications of the LULA including the type, structural support, pit, and machine room requirements. In addition, during the Qualifier Event, the team had to present their research and results in a fun and creative manner. Their presentation theme was, “A Tribute to Television.” They integrated the themes from Dragnet, 60 Minutes, America’s Got Talent, and a rap based on the theme from the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel Air into their presentation.
Congratulations to the team for receiving the “Presentation Award.” During the awards ceremony, the judges noted that there was never a dull moment during the team’s presentation. They said the team, “flipped the channel to break-up the presentation with a variety of different skits. This team electrified us!”
Team members include 5th Grade Student: Leah Boudreau, 7th Grade Students: Dale Boudreau, William Colebourn, Zane Ferri and Lauren Gingo, 8th Grade Students: Toriana Baldassari, Tessa McCabe, Noalani Perez, and Dominic Pigeon. They are coached by Beth & Joey Boudreau and Mariusz Macko.
Click HERE to view photos from the competition.
