World robotics champs SCH to host local tournament for lower and middle school robot enthusiasts

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In the throes of last year’s competition during the 2018 tournament are members of one of the SCH teams: Gretel Hoffman (left) and Georgia O’Connor (right).[/caption]

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, home of the 2019 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) World Champion robotics team, host a robotics tournament for lower and middle school students this Saturday, Dec. 7. More than 400 robot enthusiasts (from 40 teams) will converge on the school for the FIRST Lego League Jr. Expo and FIRST Lego League Qualifier.

FIRST has posed a challenge called “City Shaper,” which asks students to observe how cities and buildings grow, thrive and change. FLL teams create new, innovative solutions to help shape an optimal future, using environmental and modern-day tools and technology. Teams will need to write sophisticated programs to meet the 20-30 robot skill tasks baked into the challenge. FIRST hopes that competitors can use what they learn to help plan strong, sustainable cities of the future.

Families are encouraged to abandon holiday shopping for a few hours and head to campus to catch some of the heated, hand-wringing competition. Peak action will take place after lunch, from approximately 1 to 4 p.m. The event will be held in the Vare Field House, 8000 Cherokee St.

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