Maple Valley School District’s Robotics Program Shines Bright
TOWER CITY, N.D. – The Maple Valley School District is buzzing with excitement as it embarks on a thrilling journey into the world of robotics. In the spring of 2024, the district introduced the VEX Robotics program, igniting a passion for innovation among young students. To kick things off, an engaging three-week summer camp was held, where participants dived into the basics of robotics and sparked their curiosity for STEM learning.
By August, the enthusiasm culminated in the formation of three elementary teams ready to take on the VEX Robotics competition, known as Rapid Relay. Led by IT Coordinator Derek Bear and Science Teacher Alex Hoffmann, these teams embraced the challenge of earning points through collaborative robot tasks—such as passing a ball, shooting through targets on a wall, and clearing switches.
The results? Out of the gate, Maple Valley students rode the wave of success, racking up three wins in their first three tournaments. Coach Bear couldn’t contain his pride: “Two of our teams have already qualified for the state tournament in Grand Forks on March 1st. Remarkably, one of our teams ranks in the top 600 globally—competing against nearly 10,000 teams—and is currently seated at number one in our three-state region, which includes Minnesota and South Dakota. Furthermore, all our teams are in the top 10 in North Dakota!”
This incredible achievement has garnered recognition beyond local tournaments. The Maple Valley Robotics teams are set to showcase their talents as one of the winners in the North Dakota K-12 Technology Showcase. On March 5th, these aspiring engineers will present their innovative projects and engage with state leaders at the capitol. Excitingly, the program has also received generous support with donated team t-shirts and a $1,000 anonymous contribution.
Mark your calendars! The next showdown for the Maple Valley Robotics teams is scheduled for January 25th in East Grand Forks. Enthusiasm is soaring as students look forward to pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology.
Stay tuned for a full interview with Coach Derek Bear and two of his star students, Christian and Joseph, who share their experiences and insights in this exciting field.
In a world increasingly shaped by robotics and technology, the Maple Valley Robotics teams stand as a beacon of opportunity for young minds. With their accomplishments, they not only learn vital skills but also inspire others in their community to explore the wonders of science and engineering.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
