LTHS Students Score Big at Robotics, Engineering Competition

Submitted by Lyons Township High School District 204.

Three dozen Lyons Township High School students recently competed in Tech Day hosted by Illinois State University. Tech Day a one-day series of STEM-based, simultaneous, hands-on competitive events. In total, more than 400 students participated at the event.

LT took 36 students, who participated in teams of two in the following events: Engineering Design, Structural Technology, Transportation Technology, Invention & Innovation, and VEX Robotics. Four LT teams participated in each event, with the exception of VEX, where only one team was allowed. Tech Day is very popular among students; typically more than 80 students sign up for 36 slots. Any student who takes a course in the Applied Arts Department is eligible to compete. Most students sign up from Engineering, Design, and Aviation courses.

The students are given a packet with information and requirements on what is to be built. The packet also has the supplies that the students are allowed to use. Using the packet of information and supplies, students have 90 minutes to design and build their entry for the competition. Once completed, the students talk with judges and simulate their build. The judging is based on the requirements of the build, including the sketches students created of their project.

This year was the first time LT participated in the VEX Robotics event, where students build and bring their robot with them to competition. This year’s challenge was called Starstruck. The team competed at Timothy Christian High School against 38 other teams. They took 2nd place and look forward to competing again in the spring semester.

Several years ago, LT teachers Dave Root and Blake Sauders incorporated robotics into LT’s engineering curriculum. Interest has grown beyond the classroom, with students building robots on their own time to compete at other events.

According to Blake Sauder, “Our department is preparing our students for the challenges they face in the real world by instilling in them technological literacy, leadership, and problem solving. Events such as Tech Day, provide the students an opportunity to test and demonstrate their abilities amongst their peers, just as they will do in college and the real world.”

Tech Day top finishes include:

1st place in Structural Technology

2nd place in VEX Robotics

2nd place in Invention & Innovation

3rd place in Engineering Design

3rd place in Structural Technology

3rd place in Transportation Technology

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Photos courtesy of LTHS District 204