Amazing, custom-built robots came to life in a fast-paced competition at the 2007 Southern California Adventist Robotics League Challenge, held Feb. 20 at Glendale Adventist Academy.

Eight teams of elementary students participated, nearly triple the number of Adventist teams participating in the previous year. Three teams were from Glendale, two were from Chico and one team each were from Santa Barbara, Ridgecrest and West Fullerton.

Coordinator Bob Dennis, an SCC associate education superintendent, explained, “Students creatively solved simple tasks and exhibited logic, science and math skills with their own programmed robots. The theme of this year’s challenge was ‘Nanotechnology.’”

Judges rated students for teamwork, troubleshooting and problem solving, as well as technical skills. “One team was not confident about the program for their project on the morning of the event," noted associate superintendent Phyllis Bryan Paytee. "Students on two of the other teams immediately said, ‘We’ll help you,’ and they did — in time for the afternoon performance task. The students knew that the challenge isn’t just about skills, it’s about cooperation and teamwork.”

“This event was part of several hundred challenges around the world, servicing more than 7,000 teams worldwide," said Mel Wade, national coordinator of the Adventist Robotics League and a teacher at Upper Columbia Academy. "Toyota is one of many sponsors of the international challenge.”

“Our team prepared for the challenge with two, two-hour evening sessions a week for about four months," said Tannor Breitigam, an eighth grade student at the Adventist Christian School.

Lynn Barton, a retired engineer, served as one of ten volunteer judges, evaluating, and giving knowledgeable feedback on teamwork, planning and robot construction. “Our team judged the robots’ design and technical aspects,” he said. “This was my second time to serve as a judge. It was a fun experience.”

Three referees were also active throughout the day. Awards were given for team work, projects, robot design and performance. At the end of the day, excitement rose and applause erupted as Wade announced winners of the Champion’s Award for the best overall participation in the Challenge. “Winners of the Southern California Adventist Champion’s Award are Team Gold (Adventist Christian School, Ridgecrest), Nor-Cal Robotics (Chico Oaks Adventist School) and Lollipop Kids (Chico Oaks Adventist School)."