Team Is a First for the School System
Middlefield, OH – The application warned, “Serious inquiries only,” and after all of the applications and teacher recommendations were reviewed, just five middle school students were left standing to be part of the first-ever ROBObots team. Sixth-grade students John A., Brenden S., and Colby T., and seventh graders Jacob K. and John P. spent the majority of the second school semester creating a combat robot from scratch.
Part of the Alliance for Working Together (AWT) Foundation, the ROBObots project was a pilot program for schools across Northeast Ohio this year. Under the leadership of Cardinal Classroom Aide, Christine Schroeter, along with other faculty and community volunteers, students on the team followed the National Robotics League guidelines for designing and building their machine. The hands-on effort helped students gain practical knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills essential for manufacturing.
After weeks of learning, building, and practicing, the Cardinal Middle School robotics team competed in the AWT ROBObots Combat Competition at Lakeland Community College on Saturday, April 30. The team battled LaMuth Middle School from the Painesville area in the single-elimination tournament. Despite a strong showing, they did not advance. “Our robot took some hard hits to the blade under it, but other than that, we didn’t even have a scratch,” says team advisor Christine Schroeter. “Our team worked hard; I’m extremely proud of their efforts and their growth since the start of this program.”
Cardinal has received a grant to continue the program at the middle school next year with the possibility of implementing a robotics club at the high school level as well. Along with Schroeter, adult volunteers included Cardinal teachers Joe Sherman, Greg Cicero, and Dave Bronson; retired Cardinal teacher, Mike Cunningham; local EMT, Courtney Schroeter; and district consultant Claire Zurbuch.
PHOTO: Lead Instructor, Christine Schroeter, John A., Jacob K., John P., instructor Courtney Schroeter, Colby T., Brenden S., and teacher Joe Sherman.
