Robotics Team Moving On To State Tournament 2014

The Middle School Robotics Team known as SOAR (Students of Outstanding Achievement in Robotics), placed 2nd at the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Qualifying Tournament on November 15, making them eligible to move on to the regional tournament in New Orleans. They were also awarded the trophy for “Best Project” for their invention of the Focus Pocus.

According to SOAR coaches, Mrs. Fitzgerald and Mrs. Liner, the team has been working hard since August to prepare for competition. This year’s theme is “World Class – Learning Unleashed” which means that, in addition to building and programming a robot to accomplish multiple missions, the team must create a product that will enhance or improve the learning process.

The team’s invention, Focus Pocus, is a cap with an enhanced visor and noise-canceling headphones.  The specialized cap blocks a person’s peripheral vision and directs their focus to the task in front of them.  The headphones can provide a quieter environment, soft music, or white noise.  The team has been testing the Focus Pocus on students and adults and the results have been very positive.  Of the consumers tested, 85% showed an increase in reading speed and 60% improved in comprehension.  Consumers were also tested on math multiplication tables and 80% improved their score in a one minute drill.

The SOAR team will travel to New Orleans for the FLL Regional Tournament on December 6^th.