College hosts robotics scrimmage
The Katikati College hall was turned into an arena for robotics scrimmages, with four local rounds of the 2018/19 competition, Turning Point, played on September 8.
Teacher Hamish Carr says the event was well attended by schools and students from the House of Science. The intermediate section, VEX IQ, had some of the best scores. While the event is about learning and having fun some of the Katikati College teams gained some of the best scores, Hamish said.
Five students were in each of the Year 9 and Year 10 teams. EDR — a system of motors, wheels, metal and sensors used to build or programme robots — is for Year 9 and above. The competition is between teams working together.
“These teams could all be from different schools, so students must learn to work with other teams. Points are scored using caps, balls, flags and platforms. The winning alliance has the most points at the end of two minutes. There are attacking moves and defensive moves involved. The aim is to maximise points while reducing the opportunities for the opposition to score.
“The VEX EDR teams had a friendly competition with an emphasis on sharing ideas, building and refining ideas while having access to the playing arena and game pieces. Our students are looking forward to getting some mentoring from experienced senior students from O¯ tumoetai College.
“Interest in robotics at Katikati College is growing every year and we are always looking to fund more kits and equipment,” he said. The College is taking teams to national competitions in December.