Monkeys working with nano-technology might sound funny, but it is actually not what you think. A quick look at the Pine Knob Elementary LEGO Robotics team might give you a better idea.
LEGO competitions have become a regular part of extracurricular activities in the Clarkston School District. The 8-week international competition challenges students to develop creative solutions to a variety of problems, and build robots to perform those solutions. This year’s theme is nano technology, which involves the use of microscopic robots to carry out complex tasks. The team, however, did not really work on nano robots, opting instead for a larger version made from LEGO robotics kits.
The seven fifth-grade students decided to name their team and members ‘Bananos,? after their mascot, the famous Nintendo character Donkey Kong. Dressed in matching outfits, which included red neckties, green visors, plastic monkey ears, and bananas labeled with their nicknames, the team worked together to research solutions, design and build the team’s robot parts, and develop programs to make the robot function.
The team’s first major challenge comes on Nov. 18 at a regional competition in Flint. However, team members had a chance to see their project in action Nov. 4 at a practice meet, where they were rewarded for their efforts with the Research Quality Award.
‘The research was hard to find. The technology is so new,? said Alex Stegmeyer. ‘It involved a lot of math.?
The team agreed that the difficulty in finding accurate information ended up being a motivational factor behind the research project.
‘We wanted to educate more people because they are afraid of the unknown,? said Monica Kinsey, adding that nano-technology is safer and more beneficial than people might think, because so little is known about it.
Several team members agreed that the initial test runs went well, but they were disappointed to see they lost points for not making a more complex device.
‘Simpler is actually better,? said Scott Ushiro.
The top three teams from the Nov. 18 competition will move on to compete at the state level. The regional tournament is scheduled for 8 a.m.? 4 p.m. at Carman-Ainsworth High School in Flint. Spectators are welcome.
For more information on the team and their research on nano technology, visit www.clarkston.k12.mi.us. Go to Pine Knob Elementary’s page and look under PKE Clubs and Groups.