FORT KENT, Maine — With team names such as Fierce Bees, Honey Bandits and The Seven Stingers, elementary school students from four County schools participated in the bee themed Aroostook Jr. Robotics Competition at the University of Maine at Fort Kent Sport Center on Thursday, May 18, 2017.
Grade 2 to 5 students from Fort Kent, Caribou, Presque Isle, and New Sweden designed and constructed robotic LEGO models in the shape of bees, which they displayed at the competition. The teams kept an engineering journal to document the progress of their projects. They also posed a scientific question involving a challenge faced by the honey bee and analyzed information to prepare a solution to that challenge.
“This is the optimal learning experience. It’s completely student driven,” said event co-organizer Kelly Marquis, an educator at Fort Kent Elementary School. “Teams identify problems (in this case affecting the bee), research their problem and get professional feedback about their innovative solution from those who work in the field.”
FKES 4th grader William Grange said he was happy that his team, The Drones, won the construction innovation award at the robotics expo and that he and his teammates learned a few things while preparing for the competition.
“We learned that bees are in danger and that we kind of don’t know much about them,” he said.
The purpose of the robotics expo is to encourage STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education among students at a young age.
This type of knowledge should serve Grange well in his anticipated future occupation as a scientist who will colonize Mars.
UMFK Dean of Community Education Scott Voisine co-organized the event.
“It is important that children begin learning about STEM and technology at a very early age so they are prepared once they get to the college level,” Voisine said. “In addition, at UMFK, we love having kids on campus as much as possible. Exposure to the potential of higher education helps instill future aspirations. That is why we love to help schools coordinate such exciting activities.”
The Vikings team from Caribou took first place overall. Team members Alex Belanger, Calvin Hersey, Maddison Jackson, Claire Ouellette, Laura Plourde, and Deborah Uchendu were coached by Beth Alden.
Team Bees of Fort Kent won second place overall. Members Jace Mueller, Daniel Morgenthaler, Maddie Morneault, Allie Caron and Owen Delisle were coached by Tammy Nadeau.
Team Honey Bees, also of Fort Kent Elementary School, rounded out the top three overall winners. Members Brandon Vandine. Kayleigh Valcourt, Aiden Reardon, Dustin McBreairty, Zoe Daigle, Kayden Helstrom, and Sara Craig were coached by Laure Roy.
Teams also were eligible for multiple other awards, including the gracious professionalism award, the robust design award, the construction innovation award, and the team spirit award.
While at the event, students also witnessed the Blake Library 3-D printer replicate LEGO blocks.
McDonald’s sponsored lunch at the competition.
