Madison, News, RSS Facebook, RSS General, RSS Twitter, Schools
 By  GreggParker Published 
8:01 pm Thursday, January 31, 2013

Columbia robotics teams recognized at district, state

Project-based research, automation and teamwork were among the skills mastered by robotics teams at Columbia Elementary School.

Astro Botz members, from left, are Emma Foust, Diego Candia, Michael Prater, Matthew Hemken and Kylee Henrie (not pictured, Anshul Moondra). (Contributed)

Columbia sponsors fifth- and sixth-graders on the Astro Botz and Columbia Mini Figs teams. Sci-Quest sponsors the third Columbia team, Lighting Brixx.

Astro Botz won the second-place trophy for teamwork at the Alabama First LEGO League State Championship on Jan. 12 at Grissom High School. Members are Emma Foust, Matthew Hemken, Kylee Henrie, Noah Huinker, Diego Candia and Anshul Moondra.

Dr. Mike Foust and Amy Hemken coach the Astro Botz.

Competing at the district level, the Columbia Mini Figs roster includes Thomas Daugherty, Ward Lenoir, Connor Black, Gus Larson and Ethan O’Quin. James O’Quin is parent coach.

Columbia fourth-grade teacher Kelly Johnson sponsors both these teams.

Also at the state tourney, Lighting Brixx earned second place for research presentation. All fourth-graders, team members are Ethan Horne, Liam Kilpatrick, Kyle Bratt and Owen Racelis. Parent coach is Jennie Horne.

Categories in the robotics competition were robot design, core values, research project and robot performance.

Astro Botz’ robot, Retriever, consisted of two large motorcycle wheels and two small, plastic wheel guides, Coach Foust said. Retriever has arms that can throw balls and capture objects off a table. Retriever also has a built-in stand that can push items.

“The kids spent over 50 hours working on the robot and project between September and January,” Foust said. With the research project, students designed an “automated pill box (with) visual and audible alarms for up to four doses per day.”

Teamwork was a major ‘lesson learned,’ Foust said. “Teamwork is a valuable skill to have even in the classroom as the kids work to solve problems. They learned to respect other’s opinions.”

“Solving problems as a team will benefit the students as they progress through their educational endeavors and will be a lifelong skill,” Foust said.

Also on The Madison Record
Tri-agency traffic enforcement targets speeders on I-565
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By STAFF REPORTS 
July 16, 2025
MADISON  – In a united front to crack down on excessive speeding, the Huntsville Police Department (HPD), Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and t...
Local athletes set for North-South battles
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Bob Labbe 
July 16, 2025
MADISON - Some of the top rising senior high school athletes are about to invade the Alabama Capitol City of Montgomery July 21-25 for the 29th annual...
NASA, Orion to host Marshall’s 65th anniversary celebration this Saturday
A: Main, Events, Madison County Record, ...
Staff Reports 
July 16, 2025
HUNTSVILLE - NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is inviting the community to help celebrate the center’s 65th anniversary during a free public event ...
Chamber needs nominations for ‘Military Family of the Year’
A: Main, Business, Events, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Madison Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to identify a family who has upheld a strong commitment to country and community. The c...
ADOC: Health care worker tried to smuggle meth, narcotics into correctional facility
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Staff Reports 
July 16, 2025
LIMESTONE COUNTY - A health care employee was arrested Friday for allegedly attempting to transport almost 200 grams of methamphetamine and other narc...
Central Office values Becky Tucker as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Becky Turner doesn’t get hung up on labels. No matter her job title, Tucker feels called to be a servant leader. Her colleagues at Central O...
Brett Burgess named ‘Teacher of the Year’ at James Clemens
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Brett Burgess wanted to work in Madison City Schools for association with the best in his field, both academic and coaching. James Clemens H...
Olivia Skillern named James Clemens theatre department’s artistic director
Bob Jones High School, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – For Olivia Skillern, it’s ‘as if I never said goodbye’ (to quote a line from “Sunset Boulevard”). With her new job in the Theatre Department...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our Latest E-edition
Latest Stories
YUM! Spicy yet savory poppers
MADISON - Your guests won’t be able to have just one of these sweet and savory poppers. With a touch of heat from the cayenne pepper, and sweetness fr...
July 16, 2025
poll