Rainbow Schools get ready for the 2014 FIRST Robotics Competition

Students from three Rainbow secondary schools are building robots for the 2014 FIRST Robotics Competition – Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School (Team 4069), Lasalle Secondary School (Team 5191) and Lively District Secondary School (Team 4968). The clock is ticking as the six-week build season ends on February 18, 2014 at midnight. 

The mission of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills that inspire innovation and foster well-rounded life skills including self-confidence, communication and leadership. High school students from across Canada and the US team up with mentors from the world’s best technology companies to design, build and program robots that compete in high intensity robo-sports.

“The FIRST Robotics Competition is a wonderful example of collaboration between students, teachers and mentors,” said Norm Blaseg, Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board. “I extend best wishes to all participants as they put their science, math and technology skills to the test in a fun and creative way. Being creative and working collaboratively on innovative projects are the foundation for 21st century learning.”

He added: “We thank all sponsors and mentors for their generous support of this event.” They include Hatch, Ionic Engineering, Deltion Innovation Ltd., Tribsys, CIM, Fastenal, Stainless Steel Technologies, Golder and Associates, Glencore, BMG Engineering, Bridson Process Control, Floval, Cecchetto and Sons Ltd., Laurentian University and Cambrian College.

This year’s robo-sport is Aerial Assist, a game played with exercise balls. Two alliances of three robots each compete on a large field. The objective is to score as many goals as possible during a two minute and 30 second match. Additional points are earned if robots work together and assist each other in goal scoring.

Lo-Ellen Robotics Team 4069, which is vying to qualify for the World Championships in St. Louis, Missouri for the third consecutive year, is serving as a mentor for Lively Robotics Team 4968 and Lasalle Robotics Team 5191. All schools will participate in the inaugural event in North Bay from March 27 to 29, 2014 at Nipissing University.

Lo-Ellen Robotics Team 4069 has garnered great success in past competitions. In 2012, the team received the Rookie All-Star Award, Co-opertition Award, Highest Rookie Seed Award and Rookie Inspiration Award. In 2013, Lo-Ellen Robotics Team 4069 captured the Gold Medal, Gracious Professionalism Award and the Entrepreneurship Award.

Lo-Ellen Robotics promotes science and technology locally by displaying robot 4069 at science related events within the City of Greater Sudbury at Science North, Laurentian University, Dynamic Earth and Collège Boréal.

-30-

Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor

Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning

Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217.

Lasalle Secondary School students, from left, Connor Felber, Andrew Aniol and Connor Cacciotti build their robot.

From left to right, Matti Rintala, Wilson Hopper and Mackenzie Shirk of Lively District Secondary School build their robot.