Carson City teams earn high honors in Nevada First LEGO League Robotics tournament

Several Carson City school teams received high honor while competing in the third Northern Nevada First LEGO League tournament in Sparks this weekend, including a Judge's Award for the "Salon" team of Carson Middle School and the Project Presentation Awarded to the "Junior Geek Squad' of Eagle Valley Middle School.

Hundreds gathered on Saturday, Dec. 8 to watch 23 teams compete in the third annual event at Sparks High School. The FLL's Senior Solutions theme challenged students from grades 4-8th to design solutions for the elderly.

Judged in 3 main categories, Technical Design, Core Values and Project, students learn more than programming and engineering concepts. Each FLL student averages 55 hours per season honing their technical skills and working on the challenge.

Through the Project, teams research obstacles facing Seniors, and then suggest ways to improve the quality of life for Seniors-helping them stay independent, engaged and connected. While the robot performances were impressive, the team core values and gracious professionalism were the real stand outs. Students had fun, competed hard, and were recognized for their incredible solutions.

Attendees also enjoyed the Junior FIRST LEGO League EXPO where K-3rd graders showcased their models and designs for Super Seniors.

FIRST NV is a 501c3 organization responsible for FIRST LEGO League, Junior FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition across Nevada.

Challenge 2012 FIRST LEGO League Northern Nevada Award Winners:

Champion's Award - Bricks on the Brain Team # 8320, Coached by Richard Drewes
Our northern Nevada Champion's Award winner will receive an invitation to compete at the North American US OPEN in LEGOLAND, Carlsbad, California and the Florida FLL OPEN in Spring 2013.

Robot Performance
1st Place Incline - M Cubed (Mustangs Mindstorm Mayhem- Score 305!) #4832, Coached by Scot Duncan and David Monachino
Honorable Mentions: Bricks on the Brain #8320 (score 280- Rich Drewes); Robuddies #11364 Empire Elementary School (score 275, Rena Huntington); and The PAC MEN #16044 (score 230, Rick Frewert, Kate Milby)

Judges' Choice Award - Team # 16264, Solons, Coached by Mary Stanley, Carson Middle School This special award recognizes the genuine empathy the teams displayed for Seniors throughout the season.

Robot
Mechanical Design Award: #16044 The PAC MEN, Coached by Richard Frewert and Kate Milby
Strategy and Innovation Award: Team #2367 The T.I.G.E.R.S, Coached by Bob Kirk, Mason Valley 4-H
Programming Award: Team #4832 M Cubed, Coached by Scot Duncan and David Monachino

Core Values
Inspiration Award: Team #12414 Illusion, Coached by Holly Young, Mendive Magnet School
Teamwork Award: Team #7468 Bionic Stallions, Coached by Karin Hester, Smithridge STEM Academy
Gracious Professionalism Award: Team #15337, The FLLUBS, Coached by Michelle Habdas & Dr. Jenny Salls, Clayton Middle School

Project
Presentation Award: Team# 4691 The Junior Geek Squad, Coached by Brian Kilgore, Eagle Valley Middle School
Innovative Solution Award: Team # 16216, Dan Pike and Justin Major, Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows
Research Award: Team #16239 Hunsberger Robotic League, Coached by Helen Yung, Hunsberger Elementary

Special Awards
Volunteer of the Year Award - Patti Poston, Homeschool Network, Virgina City
Young Mentor Award - Justin Major, UNR Wolfpack STEMducation Club President
Team Spirit Award - Illusion, Mendive Magnet School
Special Feature: Operation Pinestorm Team Video

Junior FLL Awards -
#794 Carson City, Empire Elementary School Skaterbots- Robust Design Award
#2023 Reno, Coral Academy of Sciences Storm Troopers- Amazing Movement Award
#2320 Reno, Coral Academy of Sciences Lego Seniors- Inquiring Minds Award
#2321 Reno, Coral Academy of Sciences Superior Seniors- Team Spirit Award
#2372 Reno, High Desert Montessori School The Inventors- Out-Of-The-Box Award
#2459 Reno, High Desert Montessori School The Makers- Amazing Moves Award
#2460 Reno, High Desert Montessori School The Movers- Effort and Learning Award
#4400 Carson City, Neighborhood Team The Minecrafters, Construction Innovation Award

Thank you to our sponsors and partners: USFIRST, FIRST NV, Sparks High School, Home Depot, Reno Bridgewire.
Special thanks to the entire FTC VC Vendetta Team for all their support throughout the season and event.