Science, Technology and... Water

The teams lined up ready to face their competition. The gymnasium had the developing scent of nervous sweat as each competitor waited to prove his or her worth on the floor.

The remaining question, the point to be proven, is if the project and related robotics or Lego design would impress judges enough to be a top finisher.

The Nebraska FIRST LEGO League Qualifying Tournament was held at West Elementary School in Sidney Saturday, Jan. 20, with teams from all over the Panhandle region participating. The First Robotics program is supported by Nebraska 4-H. FIRST is a not-for-profit organization focused on helping young people discover and develop a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math, according to the 4-H University of Nebraska-Lincoln website. The annual programs culminate in an international robotics competition and celebration where teams win recognition, gain self-confidence, develop people and life skills, make new friends and may discover an unexpected career path, the website said.

FIRST Robotics programs in Nebraska are organized by the Nebraska 4-H. The program is divided into three divisions: FIRST LEGO League Jr. for grades K-4, First Lego League for grades 4-8 and First Tech Challenge for grades 7-12. FIRST LEGO League Jr. is designed to capture young curiosity addressing scientific challenges, learning teamwork and working with motorized LEGO elements. FIRST LEGO League, elementary and middle school-aged students, focuses on researching a real-world engineering challenge, developing a solution and competing with LEGO-based robotics of the student team's design. The FIRST Tech Challenge challenges teams of middle and high school students to design, build and program a robot to play a floor game against creations by other teams.

FIRST is designed to become science and technology leaders, engaging them in programs that build science, technology and engineering skills. The programs are also designed to foster self-confidence, communication and leadership abilities.

This is the first time Sidney hosted a LEGO League event. Gill said the program was introduced to the area to bring more science, technology, engineering and math focus to the Panhandle region. The first year of the program, there were nine teams. This year, there were 17 teams in the LEGO LEAGUE and additional teams in the junior program.

The FIRST LEGO League coaches in Sidney this year are Cory Keen, Kevin Challberg, Shawn Syverson, Amy Colerick, Tammy Sherman and Anne Stevens. The FIRST LEGO League Jr coaches are Evelyn Hornbarger, Nancy Eddy and Caleb Eddy.

This year's programs focus on hydrology and water management. Presentations were not limited to robotics, but also how to produce clean water and how to manage water and crop production for less water contamination while having a respectable yield.

"You never know what direction the kids are going to go," said Cynthia Gill, Extension Educator 4-H Youth Development for Cheyenne County.

In addition to a research and program on hydrodynamics, teams are graded on core values such as how well team members work together.

"If they haven't learned how to work together, that really hurts them," she said.

Several awards were given out at the end of the day. Gowrav Ghatamaneni received the Volunteer Award. Craig Markum, coach of the Kimbots, received the Coach/Mentor award. The Hydro Hackers were awarded the Judges' Choice Award, and the Stormclouds received the Project Award. The Global Innovation Award went to the Central Sandhills MechTechs. The Hyannis Sandbots received the Robot Design Award. The Kimbots earned a high score of 80 in robot performance to earn the Robot Performance Award. Two teams earned an 80. However, the Kimbots had a follow-up score of 70 in another match. The Core Values Award is presented to the team that shows the most extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit as well as inspiration and respect to its teammates. This award went to the Blazing Tiger Bot Builders.

The top award of the day, the Champion's Award is presented to the team that best displays the program's core values while excelling in the Robot Game and the project. This year, the Central Sandhills MechTechs earned the Champion's Award.

Seven teams advance to the Nebraska championship to be held at the Strategic Air Command Aerospace Museum Feb. 17. The teams are Blazing Tiger Bots, Central Sandhills MechTechs, Spartabots 1 and Spartabots 2, Rogue Robbie's Dream Team, The Mandroids and the Techno Huskers.