LEGO robots take on climate challenge

CANTON — Kindling a love of science and technology in the next generation of engineers and programmers is the goal of the First LEGO League Climate Connections Challenge.

Mission accomplished.

More than 200 students from various St. Lawrence County schools competed Saturday in the robot competition at Clarkson University's Walker Center. Ranging in age from 9 to 14, the students spent numerous hours designing and programming their robots.

One of the teams competing was the self-dubbed "AAK-noids," a group of students from Potsdam Central's A.A. Kingston Middle School. Wearing white T-shirts with a black tie, the team members were thrilled with their experience.

"We're having a lot of fun," said Morgan J. Sutliff, a Potsdam Central School sixth-grader. "My friends did it last year. I was a builder for the robot this year."

This year's theme, Climate Connections, called for the 18 teams to find solutions to climate issues with their robots.

For example, teams must build a small levee on the playing field, rescue wild animals from hazards, elevate a small house and deliver an ice core drilling machine.

The robots were made from LEGO pieces and a tiny motor. Team members had to work together to complete each mission. Points were awarded on how well the robot performed.

"We're going to work on our programming to do it a little better for the next round," Jacob Q. Mitchell, a Potsdam Central School sixth-grader, said after the first round of competition.

The teams also had to make a presentation to judges on a climate issue. The Potsdam team chose burn barrels, hoping to educate and create awareness that burning trash can create harmful air pollutants.

"It's an issue that's well-known around here," said David Vroman, a Potsdam science teacher and team coach.

James Carroll, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering who heads Clarkson's robotics institute, said the competition helps get children interested in math, science and technology.