On November 1, The Ohio Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) hosted its annual robotics tournament at the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) and was attended by over 100 students. The event focused on Rapid Relay, an IQ challenge named by VEX Robotics, a leader in educational robotics for students in pre-k through grade twelve and beyond.
Teams of students, ranging from grades four to eight, collaborated to design and build robots capable of capturing and shooting a ball through a target. The game involved both game controllers and autonomous programming created by the students themselves. Trophies were awarded for teamwork and robot skills, with the Teamwork Champions being the Men in Pink from Norwalk Middle School and the Top Dogz from Margaretta Middle School. The Robot Skills Champions were the Coding Pirates from Future Innovators Middle School.
In addition to the robotics competition, students took part in a biomimicry challenge, where they were tasked with designing and constructing spacecraft from recycled materials that mimic elements found in nature.
The day concluded with students inspired by their STEM capabilities. As they departed, each student received NASA-themed items as a memento of their time at OAI.
To learn more about the Ohio Space Grant Consortium, please contact Tim Hale, program manager for OSGC, at Timothy.Hale@parallaxresearch.org, or visit osgc.org.
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The Ohio Space Grant Consortium is a statewide network of colleges and universities working to expand opportunities for Ohioans to understand and participate in NASA’s aeronautics and space projects by supporting and enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through scholarships, fellowships, higher education, research infrastructure, pre-college (K-12), and informal education public outreach efforts. The Space Grant national network includes more than 1,000 affiliates from universities, colleges, industry, museums, science centers, and state and local agencies.
Parallax Advanced Research is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects. More information on both organizations can be found at Parallax and OAI websites.