Whiz Kids: Montgomery Blair's Robotics Team

Robotics Team won fourth place at the 10th Anniversary Chesapeake Regional Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition from March 8-10 in Baltimore.

More than 70 Blair students were involved, both from within an outside of the Montgomery Blair High School Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science Magnet Program.

In addition, team member Sagarika Das of Silver Spring was presented with one of two FIRST Dean’s List Finalist Awards.

The Dean's award goes to participants who exhibit leadership and commitment to the ideals of FIRST, their overall individual contribution to their team, technical expertise and passion among other values.

The FIRST Robotics Competition is designed to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology, as well as build self-confidence, leadership, and life skills.

More than 1,000 high school students, representing 63 schools from 11 states and the District of Columbia, participated this year in the Chesapeake Regional FIRST Robotics Competition.

During the contest, matches lasted two minutes each and were played by two alliances of three robots each, for a total of six robots on the playing field at a time. The goal was to make baskets, in one of four baskets per side using compressed foam balls, to earn as many points as possible.

More difficult shots and those made during an initial period of the game, when the robot had to operate autonomously, were awarded higher point value. In the final period of the game, teams were awarded additional points if they balanced one, two, or three robots on a bridge.

During ten such qualifying matches, the Blair team earned a spot among the top eight teams and the right to participate in the elimination rounds as an alliance captain. At this point, it advanced to the semifinal rounds and earned fourth place.

The team is set to compete next week at the Washington, D.C. Regional FIRST Robotics Competition to be held March 29-31 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.