Backyard Blizzard

On Saturday, Elizabeth competed with her school robotics team at the Backyard Blizzard, a FIRST Lego competition.  It was not only her first robotics competition, but her school's first time ever competing as well.  We left the house at 6:30 am in order to be there by 8 am for the set up.  Competition began at 9 am.  The competition had several elements, including a project presentation and a team interview, but the only part that spectators could see was the robot as it worked to complete its tasks.  There were 8 tasks at each table (and a time limit of 2 1/2 minutes) and they had to be completed in order; each task was progressively harder and worth more points.  Elizabeth's team, which came together in late September, only mastered three tasks at each table, but for almost every match, she was responsible for one of the tasks.  She was very nervous for her first match, but had fewer and fewer nerves at the day went on.  She completed her task successfully each time and at the end of the matches, JPII sat in 11th place out of 21 teams.  They ended up placing 10th overall, but did not qualify for the state competition (only the top 8 teams make it).  Elizabeth had an awesome day, she was clearly in her element.

Putting the last minute touches on the robot before the competition starts. 

First match.  You can see how nervous she is.

Getting ready.  I overheard one of the coaches telling another parent that Elizabeth is so precise with her task, that he was certain that she would get it every time. 

So relieved and happy - they did all three tasks, with no penalties! 

Coaching/encouraging from the sidelines. She ended up going in for one her teammates at the end of the match in a last minute attempt to complete the task. 

Winners of the Innovative Solution Award!