Students from Cazenovia Elementary, Middle, and High School Shine at the MOST’s Micron Robotics Challenge

Five different teams from Cazenovia participated in the MOST’s Micron Robotics Challenge held on Saturday, January 28th. Student teams were given the challenge to “construct an automated device to combat the effects of climate change”.  Teams were to design, build, and test a prototype device from a robotics kit supplied by the MOST and any additional components of their choosing. 

All five Cazenovia teams took home awards based on a science-fair style judging session on three metrics: technical proficiency, design creativity/process, and student comprehension of STEM concepts.  At the junior division, Cazenovia’s team “Empowered” composed of Edward Hollman, Dougie Bradstreet, Jack Bradstreet, and Gabe Mongeau placed first. The “Defenders of Green” team composed of Maggie Alton, Jedd Bjork, Genevieve Cody, Wolfgang Marsland, Reagan Miller, and Mattox Tinkham placed second overall. Team “Dragon Slayers” composed of Sam Schofield, Levi Rushing, Harrison Steinbacher, River Solomon, and Oliver Smith received the “Fan Favorite” award.  At the senior division Cazenovia students Henri Mongeau, Seamus Enders and Nathan Schierer took first place and students Rio Harper, Sam Denton, Carter Cattadoris and Zack Benedict took second. 

Challenges and competitions like this provide students with all kinds of exposure to STEM concepts. They are given a chance to demonstrate their understanding of various topics and specific fields that help them grow as learners and one day may provide a path to their professional career.  This opportunity gave students the chance to learn not just about robotics but also coding, constructing a model, problem solving and the design process, how to work as a team, troubleshooting, presentation skills how systems work, and more. Congratulations to all the students who participated and it is clear that Cazenovia student’s future in STEM is strong! 

A special thanks to all the parents who led the teams and provided all the space and time for them to work. Although teams were organized and acknowledged by their school district, this was a community led and sponsored activity. Another special thanks to the MOST for providing kids in our community with hands-on learning opportunities like this in science and technology.