Lakeside Academy Robotics Team Gears Up for March Competition
by Chloë Ranaldi
Students at Lakeside Academy have been hard at work designing and building robotic components in preparation for the upcoming robotics competition at École St-Laurent, during March break.
On Saturday, January 18th, around 35 students from grades 8 to 11 gathered to begin assembling the components that will build robots to do specific tasks in the First Robotics Competition.
They are supported by a team of 9 mentors, including school staff and volunteers from different fields.
The Lakeside Academy Robotics Program has been running for nearly 10 years and gives students the chance to participate in an international robotics competition as well as earn hands-on experience.
According to Dave Preston, a science teacher and mentor for the team, the program provides an invaluable opportunity for students who may not otherwise have an outlet in traditional school activities.
“It’s really aimed for students who don’t necessarily have an outlet into the school activities, so it really gives them an opportunity to be part of a team.”
Each year, the competition tasks students with building robots that can perform specific challenges, with the game changing annually.
This year’s competition theme is focused on a “reefscape,” an underwater environment, and the students will be tasked to complete challenges with their robots related to reef health.
Preston describes the team structure as very much like running a small business, with various groups responsible for different aspects of the project.
“We have a drive-based team who build the basic framework for the robot, a prototyping team that come up with new mechanisms needed to be added to the robot, an electronics team, a programming team, a team called wood wizard–, building mock-ups of game pieces, a social media team, and a business team, it’s a full on affair.”
For the students, working on the robot is not just about learning technical skills, but also about developing teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
“Students get hands-on experience using the machinery and tools and it also shows them how it is to work as a team, and how [everyone plays a role].”
One example of the program’s lasting impact comes from a former student who recently brought in a brand new 3D printer for the team.
“He told us the robotics team made him feel like he belonged when he was younger and inspired him to pursue engineering,” Preston shared. “ He said the program changed his life.”
“We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of students heading into fields like engineering, mechanics, and electronic technology. It opens kids’ eyes to what possibilities are out there,” said Preston.
The competition will feature teams from across Montreal, Quebec, the United States, and Mexico. Among the many schools taking part in the competition, is the highly regarded LCCHS robotics team, which has also been preparing for the challenge.
For the next seven weeks, the Robotics Team will meet every Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, as well as on Mondays and Wednesdays after school, from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Together, the students and mentors will work tirelessly to prepare for this year’s competition.
