More signs warning the public of fragile tide pools may crop up throughout Ocean Beach, thanks to concerned students from Curie Elementary and High Tech Middle School. The students have already placed seven signs in an effort to protect tide pools surrounding La Jolla Cove.
Known as the “Robomasters,” Curie Elementary fourth-graders Kevin Murray and Andy Brooks, and High Tech Middle sixth-graders Mia Sheperd and Katie Brooks, began the tide pool project as part of a Lego robotics competition that requires students to program a robot to complete a series of complex actions. The competition also asked the students to devise a solution on how to protect the ocean.
The Robomasters’ efforts shone superior, as they placed third of 82 teams for their tide pool project in the First Lego League in Atlanta, Ga., held April 23 to 29.
Their robot also performed nicely, finishing in 27th place in a field of 82 teams. The students had to program the robot to complete as many of the 10 tasks in the obstacle course as possible within two and a half minutes.
Robomasters employed rotation and touch sensors to allow the robot to set up flags on a playing field or release a dolphin from its net, as part of the 10 tasks.
Numerous leagues competed during the weekend, including the First Lego League with 82 teams, the First Robotics Conference with 312 teams and the First Vex League with 52 teams.
Elementary students to high school seniors competed, as well as children from across the world.
“They made friends from all around the world,” said Marion Brooks, who helped coach the team. “They really enjoyed getting to see the technology that other kids ” not only in the U.S. ” came up with.”
Despite winning the Southern California Robotics Regional Forum and their shining performance at the world competition in Atlanta, the students are not finished yet. They will continue to work with the City of San Diego’s Park and Recreation Department to ensure that warning signs protect San Diego tide pools.