NSU’s Dept. of Engineering Technology hosts robotics competition for area schools

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Department of Engineering Technology hosted the fifth annual Robotics Competition for middle school students Dec. 4, drawing 16 teams from regional schools who participated in several competitions. 

Teams competed in a speed challenge, strength challenge, accuracy, maze and tug of war with robots that measured 12 x 12 x 12 inches. Winning teams received trophies and cash prizes to purchase technology. 

Winners were Caddo Middle Magnet, first place; Rapides Academy, second place, and Donnie Bickham, third place.  Other schools that participated were Green Oaks Performing Arts Academy and Natchitoches Magnet.

The agenda included a Smart Structures Show with demonstrations by students from NSU’s Engineering Technology Department and the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts.

Dr. Jafar Al-Sharab, head of the Department of Engineering Technology, said the event is a way to recruit youngsters to pursue studies in science, math, engineering and technology (STEM).  The event was supported by the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce A+ Coalition.

“Scientists and engineers are the people who build technology,” Al-Sharab said.

Information on NSU’s Department of Engineering Technology is available at https://engrtech.nsula.edu. 

Results:

• 1^st Place Caddo Middle Magnet: A team from Caddo Middle Magnet won first place at Northwestern State University’s fifth annual Robotics Competition. 
• 2^nd Place Rapides Academy: Rapides Academy from Alexandria won second place at NSU’s Fifth annual Robotics Competition.
• 3rd Place Donnie Bickham: Donnie Bickham Middle School from Shreveport won third place in NSU’s fifth annual Robotics Competition.