The annual Mother Lode Robotics Challenge occurred on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the Sonora Opera Hall. Fourteen teams of fifth through eighth-grade students represented Belleview, Curtis Creek, Soulsbyville, Summerville Elementary, and Twain Harte Schools.
During the school year, students have been introduced to robotics through classes and after-school clubs. They have learned the basics of building and programming autonomous robots. Working together, they will systematically test and refine programs to complete the Mother Lode Robotics Challenge on May 12.
The challenge consists of working together to program SPIKE Prime or EV3 Lego Robots to navigate a course with numerous obstacles autonomously. Each team is expected to communicate as engineers and find creative solutions to difficult problems.
“The purpose of the Mother Lode Robotics challenge is to encourage students to move from being passive users of technology to becoming creators and innovators. We hope that they have a lot of fun in the process,” stated Tricia Dunlap, STEM Coordinator and event organizer.
Results of the 2023 Robotics Challenge:
First place and winner of the Mother Lode Challenge perpetual trophy went to Belleview School’s Lucas Lassro, Leroy Portillo, and Weston Sindelar. Second place also went to Belleview School’s Alexander Rodriguez and Hartly Werner. Summerville Elementary School’s Laney Mason, Tristan Whittington, and Zoe Whittington earned third place.
Curtis Creek
Curtis Creek: Curtis Creek student Molly Spear programs her team’s robot for a successful run at the 2023 Mother Lode Robotics Challenge.
Summerville El
Summerville El: Summerville Elementary student precisely lines up their robot for the start of challenge course.
Belleview 2023
Belleview Elementary Teams: From left to right – Lucas Lassor, Desmond Thomas, Mr. Glazier, Weston Sindelar, Alexander Williams-Rodriguez, Leroy Portillo, Jackson Williams, and Hartly Werner
Robotics Group Photo
2023 Mother Lode Robotics Challenge group photo