WIIKWEMKOONG—The Wikwemikong High School First Robotics team has returned from the regional Destination: Deep Space competition, presented by the Boeing Company at the Physical Activities Complex at the University of Waterloo with some pretty serious cred.
The Wiikwemkoong students won both the Chairman’s Award and the championship. Team member Mary Pangowish won the Dean’s List award and the team also set a world record high score during the semi-finals of the competition. The team will now go on to compete with the best of the best at the provincial level.
The Expositor caught up with Wikwemikong High School Robotics team members Mary Pangowish and Aaryn Zoccole on Monday as they laboured after school to prepare their mechanical charge for its next outing, coming up soon at the April 10 – 13 provincial championships at Mississauga’s Hershey Centre. This is the two Grade 11 Wikwemikong High School students’ second year as part of the school’s robotics team and their excitement has only grown with the passage of time and competition.
“Absolutely,” replied Mary when asked if she was excited by the experience. Her presentation on the technical elements of the team’s creation was described by robotics team teacher/mentor Chris Mara as “a fantastic job.”
“This is my second year,” said Aaryn. “Last year I didn’t do that much, a logo and some posters.” Her realm of expertise on this team may be in marketing and graphic design, but she is an integral part of the team effort and said she is looking forward to taking on a greater role.
Both students are looking to careers in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field.
“I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy this,” said Mary. Now she declares herself fully hooked by the STEM. Asked if she plans to pursue a career in the STEM field she replied, “I do, actually. I wouldn’t have known that if I hadn’t joined the robotics team.”
Aaryn said that her career ambitions lean towards becoming a doctor—plenty of science involved there.
“The students have put in literally hundreds of hours,” said Mr. Mara. “Our latest evening was 3:30 am and they have put in plenty of midnight builds. This year’s robot is their most complex yet.” The robot incorporates both pneumatic controls and a linear elevator.
Mary explained that the rules of the competition were released in January, giving the teams the parameters of the “game” their robot would be competing in. “For example, this year we had to either program a control for the robot to operate autonomously for 30 seconds or be tele-operated with a camera. There would be no direct visibility of the field.”
“The robot had the option of starting at one of three levels, three inches, nine inches or one foot,” said Mary.
At each level there was an opportunity to score points by completing tasks.
“The competition is designed so that there are different skill levels, that way even rookie teams can take part,” explained Mr. Mara. “No one robot can do everything.”
Cooperative effort is encouraged in the design of the competitions, with teams joining up to form alliances.
Competing is an expensive business, and First Robotics teams depend on donations and sponsors to make it to the competitions.
“It’s really expensive,” said Mary. “Our robot cost about $3,000 to build and it costs $5,000 to enter the competitions. We get donations in cash and in providing us with some of the parts that we need.” But there are still the costs associated with travel, meals and accommodation that have to be raised.
Luckily, corporate sponsors have stepped up to lend a hand, including Microsoft, TD Canada Trust and RBC. “We have had great sponsors,” said Mr. Mara. “One of the ones that has helped us out a lot this year is Metal Supermarkets.”
Those wishing to play a part by making a donation to the team can contact Mr. Mara at the school, or by email at cmara@wbe-education.ca.
