Months of intensive work showcased at Wooster High School robotics competition
Wooster High School will play host for the first time to a VEX robotics competition on Dec. 1. The event will showcase months of work on the part of high school students from around the region.
The qualifying tournament is part of the competition process that leads qualifying students on to a state event and from there on to the VEX robotics world championship.
In April the Guinness World Records named VEX the largest robotics competition in the world. The local event is for high school students. The overall competition is open to elementary through university students.
The competition also is relying on the community to volunteer and help with every aspect of the event from registration to judging.
"We are looking for anybody who would like to be involved and help make this event run smoothly," said Jacob Melrose, an engineering teacher at Wooster High School and robotics head coach.
Individuals with engineering or manufacturing backgrounds are needed to help with scoring and judging. There also are many other roles to be filled that do not require any special expertise other than a desire to help.
John Schantz of Schantz MakerSpace said the educational focus on robotics can prepare students for the future. "A basic understanding of coding, machine building, engineering, technical troubleshooting and time-based problem solving gives students the tools they need for a large number of jobs in manufacturing," he said. "Robotics teaches you all of these attributes. Many students today have a stigma of intimidation around technology. They don’t get involved because they think they aren’t smart enough. We need to change that."
According to Schantz, learning the basics in technology is the most important step, and there are ways to make that experience fun rather than tedious or difficult. "Robotics is a great way to capture these critical skills and enjoy the challenge in the process," he said.
"We're looking for businesses to partner with us," Melrose said. "Ideally I want to see these kids fall into careers that are available here in the county. We want to show the connection between what local businesses are doing and what we do here at the high school so kids can become aware of opportunities that may be available to them in the future."
Melrose is interested in having area businesses collaborate with the class by coming in to do a presentation or a mini class. "For instance it would be great if we could get someone to come in and teach the kids about welding," Melrose said.
Five teams with 21 students from Wooster High School are preparing to compete in the robotics event. According to Melrose, it's a dedicated group.
"A lot of them bring their lunches and work on their robotics through lunch," Melrose said. "Most of them come for their study halls. For the last couple of weeks, I've been coming in at 6 a.m., and the kids work for a couple of hours before school starts. We have work sessions after school."
The teams also are in a time crunch on parts. Many of the components the kids need to update their robots are on back order. "We ordered in July, and we're still waiting," Melrose said.
It's hoped the much-needed pieces and parts will arrive with plenty of time to install before the Dec. 1 competition.
The Wooster event is just one of similar tournaments held across the country to qualify kids for their state competition. The Wooster teams recently attended one such event in Loudonville.
The competition consists of a game designed specifically for the kids' robots to play on a 12-by-12-foot arena.
"Every year the game totally changes," Melrose said. "The arena is the same, but the game elements are different, and the objectives are different too."
Wooster High School senior Luke Frantz is in his second year of robotics competition. Frantz spoke as he worked on redesigning his team's robot after the Loudonville event.
"We realized that our design was pretty complicated," Frantz said. "There is a much easier solution, and we didn't pick up on that before. We're going to make a much more accessible design that will definitely make it better than the last tournament."
Frantz and his teammates expect to go far in the competition. "All the way to world in Kentucky," he said. "It's really fun. I enjoy getting to plan out and build functional robots."
Opening ceremonies will begin at 8:45 a.m. Qualifying matches will begin at 9 a.m. There is a lunch break for teams from noon to 12:30 p.m. with the tournament beginning at 1 p.m. Awards and closing will begin at 3 p.m.
Concession stands will be open.
Individuals or groups wishing to volunteer and area businesses interested in becoming involved with the program can email Melrose at wstr_jmelrose@woostercityschools.org or call 330-317-1123.
"I'm really optimistic," Melrose said. "I believe we're going to go on to world, so I want to start planning in that direction."
In order to make the four-day trip to Kentucky, the club will look toward the community for some financial support as well. Any businesses or individuals interested in offering assistance with the robotic teams' travel expenses are invited to get in touch with Melrose.
Family and friends of competitors and anyone in the community interested in robotics are all invited to attend the Wooster tournament. The event is free to spectators and a great way for kids to get a look at robotics.
Wooster High School is located at 515 Oldman Road in Wooster.