UPDATE: Hoërskool Waterkloof takes home first prize in First Tech Challenge
This was a big win for aspiring engineers at Hoërskool Waterkloof.
Hoërskool Waterkloof was announced as the winners in this year’s international First Tech Challenge (FTC) robot competition at the weekend.
In the competition teams of about 10 members each – from grades 7 to 12 – must design, build, programme and operate robots to compete in a predetermined challenge.
The event was held at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg.
“This is the third win in a row for us,” the school told Rekord.
“We cannot be any prouder of our young engineers.”
The theme for this year’s competition was Rover Ruckus. The challenge details were released in October 2018, with teams then starting to design and build robots within the predefined parameters to complete specific tasks.
ALSO READ: Hoërskool Waterkloof participates in the First Tech Challenge
As part of the judging process, teams showcased their initial designs, progress, alterations and final model.
The students were given the chance to develop practical engineering and programming skills while working in a team towards a deadline.
Team Fifth Order from Hoërskool Waterkloof, who walked away with the main prize of the day, was formed in 2011. It was their eighth successive year participating in the competition.
The Fifth Order team name and logo stays the same from year to year; however, members rotate with new students joining to replace seniors who graduate and leave school.
This gives students the opportunity to learn from each other, share skills and mentor new members.
Team Fifth Order also walked away with first prize in the elimination category.
They will be representing South Africa at the world championships in Detroit in the US in April.
ALSO READ: Drone technology to be part of Deutsche Schule robotics evening
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