CIS, middle school robotics competition at CCCC
Dec 3, 2007

SANFORD – Lego Mindstorm robots built by middle school-age students compete in the first-ever local robotics competition using FIRST Lego League challenges.

The event takes place 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, in the CFC (Gym) Building at Central Carolina Community College’s Sanford campus.

Teams from West Lee Middle School, Provisions Academy, and the Boys & Girls Club of Sanford/Lee County spent the past eight weeks constructing their Lego Mindstorm robots to perform specific tasks. The challenges will test the robots’ abilities to perform the tasks within a specific time frame.

In addition, the students have been researching energy usage, performing energy audits on local buildings. They have been learning about alternative forms of energy and conservation and the impact various means of energy production have on the environment. They will present their findings to a panel of judges at the competition.

“The judges are looking to see that the presentation has been well researched and presented in a creative and accurate manner,” said Jenny Barrow, Communities in Schools program coordinator.  “Most importantly, we want this to be a fun experience for the students.”

The college’s Electronics Engineering Technology program, CIS and Progress Energy are sponsoring the event. The public is invited to come and cheer on the students.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a New Hampshire-based nonprofit that works to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science, engineering and technology. FIRST Lego League is an international program for youth using robotics, research and a sports-like atmosphere to increase interest in these areas. The Dec. 8 event will use the challenges developed by FIRST, but is not part of the official league competition.

For more information about the event, contact Jenny Barrow at <jennycis@sanford‑nc.com> (919) 718‑5426, or Jerry Clendenen at <jclendenen@cccc.edu>, (919) 718‑733.1   

Communities In Schools of Lee County is a dropout prevention program whose mission is to champion the connection of needed community resources with schools and other sites to help young people successfully learn, stay in school and prepare for life.