Now in its fourth year, Placerita continues to lead the Santa Clarita Valley in incorporating robotics into the middle school program. With twenty-four students divided among four competitive teams, co-coaches Paul Kass and Wendy Mathis and a group of high school mentors, work together on Out-Build, Out-Program and OUTBOT. “The level of enthusiasm of the students is unparalleled to any other program I have been involved with,” says Kass.
As one of the first middle schools in the valley to host a robotics program, Placerita continues to demonstrate its commitment to science and technology. “The opportunity for hands-on learning allows the students to experience their successes,” says Mathis. With these successes, Placerita Robotics has traveled to state competitions at both Legoland and Clovis.
This year, Placerita hosted the 4th Annual Santa Clarita Valley FIRST Lego League (FLL) Tournament on Saturday, November 11. The tournament was a great success with 33 teams from the Los Angeles area and beyond competing for eight trophies including the champion’s award, the tournament’s highest honor. Teams were judged in four areas: robot performance, robot design, research project and teamwork. Placerita’s four teams (Tenacious Technologists, Nano Nanites, Pocketsize Powerhouse and Nano Force) all competed well in the tournament and escorted teams to their various events when they were not competing. As host of the event, Placerita teams were not eligible to win awards. However, all four teams made an excellent showing, and each placed within the top ten for overall scores. Nano Force, a seven-member Placerita team placed first overall and would have won the champion’s award, if they had been eligible.
Placerita Robotic teams are continuing to practice and prepare for two upcoming competitions. Both competitions are opportunities for teams to go on to the World Festival championships in Atlanta, Georgia in April.
Over 45 volunteers, including Placerita parents, teachers, administrators, engineers from HR Textron, mentors from Hart High and community members worked to make this event possible.
Award Results:
* Champion’s Award — Rancho Pico
Mustangs RCX, Rancho Pico Jr. High School
* Project Award — Lego Nano Stars,
Santa Barbara Charter School
* Rising Star Award — Rancho Pico
Mustangs NXT, Rancho Pico Jr. High School
* Robot Design NXT — Lego Mountaineers,
Home School Group
* Robot Design RCX — Rancho Pico Mustangs
RCX, Rancho Pico Jr. High School
* Robot Performance — Triple Threat,
Hope Chapel Academy
* Teamwork Award — Lego Mountaineers,
Home School Group
* Mentor Award — Desert Christian School