It may not have the looks or sophistication of the infamous robot ‘Gort,? but the Lego robot built by a team of St. Joseph School elementary students has the makings of science reality rather than science fiction.
In the late 1950s, Gort, the shiny robot with the rotating eye, brought the world to its knees in the science fiction classic, ‘The Day The Earth Stood Still.?
Today, the earth is in motion for a group of six fifth-grade boys who are learning the basics of nano technology while winning awards for their creativity.
Proudly calling themselves the Geek Squad, Keith Watza, Jacob Wysocki, Ryan Michalec, Garrett Altenberger, Daniel Runi and Garrett Lindow, don’t mind being referred to as nerds.
After spending several weeks building their Lego robot, the boys competed in the Lego League Robotics Regional competition, finishing in the top 10.
On December 9, the boys went up against the best in Michigan at the State competition at the Novi Expo Center.
Led and inspired by their coach, Steve Michalec, an engineer by trade, the boys were among the youngest to compete at the state level.
Despite being rookies, the boys impressed many as they made a bid to compete at the national competition in Atlanta, Georgia in April.
While the Geek Squad fell a little short of making it to the Nationals, they made their mark.
‘Considering this was their first year in the program, they were very surprised and pleased to have made it to the state competition,? said Linda Watza, Keith’s mother. ‘They were on the younger side, but they were focused and worked real hard.?
At the Regional competition, the boys were presented with a special trophy in the category of Programming. The process involved the use of special software made available through the Lego corporation.
Parent Don Watza, who coaches various athletic teams, said the robotics team has given the team members an education in teamwork, commitment and work ethic.
‘They’ve learned so much about working together to meet a deadline — to perform a task and compete,? he said. ‘It’s a great environment for kids to learn and grow.?
The competition was divided into four parts: performance, technical review, teamwork and the function of the robot, itself.
The grading included rules that eliminate the involvement of parents in the process.
Don Watza credited Coach Michalec for his role in establishing discipline among the young competitors, while allowing them to think for themselves.
‘Steve did a terrific job of keeping the boys on task,? he said. ‘But he also gave them room to create through trial and error.
‘That came through in the technical and programming assessment, and that’s why they won the award.?