Battle at the Academy

Teamwork, problem-solving, creativity and leadership were all on display this past weekend when St. Agnes Academy-St Dominic School hosted the VEX IQ Battle at the Academy robotics tournament. 28 teams representing public and private schools in the area competed in the day-long event which included a Teamwork Challenge and a Robot Skills Challenge. This is the second year SAA-SDS has hosted the tournament.

This year has seen an exciting expansion in the Robotics opportunities for our Stars and Suns. Science teachers David Tran, Chuck Henry and Christina Bolden have collaborated to offer a Robotics team for students in grades 5-12. The teams are divided into 3 groups representing High School (grades 9-12), Middle School (grades 7-8), and Elementary (grades 5-6).  Both the Middle School and Elementary teams competed in the Battle at the Academy, and the Middle School team has qualified for the Vex IQ state competition to be held in March.

“Participating in the robotics program allows students to problem solve, and it gives them the opportunity to understand that there are different solutions for the same problem,” said Mr. Tran. “Their robot is a never-ending cycle of improvement. This program gives students the opportunity to become leaders and encourages creativity and teamwork.”

Throughout the year the teams have held weekly morning meetings and after-school open sessions. Each year VEX Robotics creates a challenge for participants to design a robot that will accomplish various tasks in one minute. This year's competition was called "slap shot” and students were tasked with getting plastic pucks from five towers and shooting them under a bar for points.   

Working with the team, Mrs. Bolden has seen the students grow in knowledge and curiosity. “They have become more self-directed and eager to work and troubleshoot compared to when we started,” said Mrs. Bolden. “At the beginning of the season the students wanted to be told what to build and how to build.  They wanted step-by-step directions. It took them several weeks to realize that there are no manuals and no build instructions. They must create and build the robot on their own. Now they do not hesitate to build and test their robot out.”

“Students are starting to view their failures learning moments-chances to rethink and collaborate to accomplish their tasks,” added Mr. Henry. “There are many ways to solve problems. They are developing listening skills and a willingness to try other people's suggestions. They are learning about teamwork.” 

In March SAA-SDS will begin offering an after-school Robotics program for students in 3^rd and 4^th grades. St. Agnes junior, Madelyn Havard, is a certified Robotics student leader, and she will work with the 3^rd and 4^th graders under the direction of Mr. Tran, Mr. Henry and Mrs. Bolden. Additionally, Robotics will be offered in our upcoming summer camp program.

“My vision is to have a K-12 robotic team,” said Mr. Tran. “Just like sports, we must build interest and skills at the younger ages.  With the new math and science building, we will have the space needed to house all the robotic programs.”

“I am currently fostering a relationship with the University of Memphis and CBU to help our students. My goal is to create a pipeline for future STEM professionals. At each level, I want our students to look up to the older students and see what they can accomplish. I feel strongly that the older students mentoring the younger students will be a very powerful tool and motivator,” Mr. Tran said.