Robotics Team Qualifies for Semi-Finals in NJ Qualifier Round Up Competition

Ranney’s Upper School Robotics team advanced to the semi-finals of a New Jersey Qualifier Round Up Competition in East Brunswick on January 8, 2011.

As a means of motivating students through competition in the classroom, the VEX Robotics Round Up Competition is the largest and fastest growing middle and high school robotics program. Typically, VEX Round Up is played on a 12 foot by 12 foot foam mat, surrounded by a sheet-metal and lexan perimeter. Within the perimeter are nine goalposts, five of which are attached to movable weighted bases that teams can score tubes on. Also in the center of the playing field is a 36” tower, known as a ladder, on which robots can climb to one of two tiers for additional points.

Offered to more than 2,600 teams from 20 countries worldwide, VEX Robotics, Inc. hosts over 200 tournaments each year — all in an effort to attract and nurture new engineering candidates with the potential to solve the problems of tomorrow. Overall 26 teams took part in the East Brunswick Competition. Ranney’s team, led by Upper School math and science teacher Michael Dunn, and comprised of Eric Chiang ’12, Jon-Michael Coscia ’11, Thomas Florek ’11, Omar Sarhan ’12 and Sam Tkach '12, worked diligently to build the most innovative robot possible. Driven by Eric and Jon during the event, the team’s robot was no larger than 18 inches wide by 18 inches long by 18 inches tall.

While fun and exciting, Ranney’s Robotics program also develops an appreciation for both science and technology and an understanding of how the two might be used to positively impact the world. In addition, competition within the classroom cultivates life skills such as planning, brainstorming, collaboration, teamwork and leadership.

Congratulations Eric, Jon-Michael, Thomas, Omar and Sam on advancing to the semi-finals and good luck at the VEX New Jersey State Championship on March 26th!