Wonderful Time as State!

All 62 teams crowded into this pit area. Our team is in the front center with the rainbow feather hats.

We went to state last Saturday. It was a great time of meeting with 62 other teams all over Colorado. We were jammed packed into the pit area, but the kids didn't mind. It gave them easier access to network and meet new people.

Our robot didn't perform as well at State because we were having battery issues. For some unknown reason, the two NXT recharageable batteries I bought ran out of juice even before the end of the 2.5 minute robot run. When you have a bad battery, it also affects how the robot performs. I may be switching to good ole alkaline for next year. At least that way I can count on the backups. I was so proud that none of the boys got really stressed out about it. They were disappointed, but no one "lost" it. However, they got to see Gracious Professionalism in action when one other team was kind enough to loan us their WORKING NXT recharagable backup battery. Wow! We were quite blessed and our robot worked fine again for the last two out of five rounds. I sent both batteries back for Lego Education to check out.

The boys did improve on their project presentation. It worked out so much better after we brought in a very experienced public speaker and debater who also happened to be a sister to one of the kids. She went through every single kid and pointed out what they could do to improve. It helped tremendously and the boys did better than at regionals.

So we all came away happy that it was a positive experience. Everyone who participates in state gets a medal, but only the really exceptional teams win further trophies. And only one team goes to the World Festival.

As for me, I'm glad to have a break until we start thinking of Senior Solutions!