Sonoma teens win robotics comp challenge at Justin-Siena

St. Francis eighth graders win challenge and move on to regionals|

St. Francis Solano School’s eighth grade robotics team had a successful day at the First Lego League Trash Trek Competition at Justin-Siena High School earlier this month. A dozen teams from around the Bay Area competed to build and code a robot complete an obstacle course that was symbolic of environmental clean-up. In a second challenge, teams chose an item of environmental trash that does not currently have an innovative clean-up solution and devised solutions to recycle, and repurpose environmental contaminants. 

Competing for St. Francis were eighth graders Matthew Baumann, Angelina Carabini, Nolan Dunkle, Gianna Bruton, Kelly Needleman, Mason Phillips, Lily Raaka, Dante Cavaz, Christopher Grundgeiger and Lily Morgan.

One St. Francis team created an innovation that would condense and repurpose water vapor created in showers for use in other household facilities. Another team created an all-in-one household recycling/composting/sorting machine that uses sensors to handle the dirty work of sorting trash.  

The St. Francis team that brainstormed an innovative filtration solution for trash that currently washes into storm drains and eventually into the ocean took home first place in that competition. 

The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League introduces young people, ages 9 to 14 in grades 4 to 8, to the fun and excitement of science and technology.

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