CHILDREN IN STEM, CREATING AND RETHINKING HOW ENERGY WORKS

On Dec 3, 2022 The Red Hawks Robotics held their 9th Annual Raiders Rumble. Kids ranging from 4th to 8th Graders from all around Eastern MA. competing for a spot at the Massachusetts States Competition being held on December 17. Students not only compete with Robots but with projects, trying to re-imagine how we conserve energy.

Out of 23 teams, Melrose had the richest participation, fielding 10 teams from not only the Middle School, but every elementary school in Melrose. From our teams in Melrose, two of them won Tournament Awards, The Lego Lemurs and Fried Broccoli. Along with the Lego Lemurs and Fried Broccoli, The Dino Pirates, a team of 6th Graders, took the 3rd Place Innovation Project Award. The Judges said, “This team could have powered the school with the energy they brought to this presentation. New ideas, taking advantage of existing energy, and giving Americans a reason to work out.“

Not only did the kids win prestigious awards, but several were awarded to the coaches as well. Coach Alan not only coached one but two teams, one of them being The Lego Lemurs. In their presentation, the judges mentioned how “This Coach multi-tasked between switching shirts and keeping not one, but two teams organized.”

Two teams took the Championship Award and advance to the Massachusetts State Competition on December 17, at WPI. In second place was The Silver Gear Ticks, a team of fourth graders from Lincoln, MA. The Judges stated, “ This team hit it out of the park across the board, including great teamwork and collaboration. This team is on their way to making a difference.”

The first place Championship Award was given to Difference Engines from Brookline, Massachusetts.