Poinciana Elementary School Afterschool Taz Bots Bring Home First Place in World Invitational Open

Theme: Robots in Paradise at USF Polytechnic

Poinciana Elementary School is celebrating their 8-member Taz Bots team of contenders who recently took first place in the Florida Legoland World Invitational Open held in Winter Haven, Florida. The team of students who participate in the school’s Aftercare Program  had  to first win in last Fall’s qualifying regional tournaments and then earned second place in January along with a bid for the State Tournament. At the State Tournament the team received the Director’s Award—the highest distinction a team can win at the state level—along with the bid to go to the World Invitational earlier this month.  The competition was hosted by Legoland and USF Polytechnic.

Ms. Gloria Gibson, team sponsor and Poinciana Aftercare director, said the team had to build and program an autonomous robot using LEGO Mindstorms technology to score points in 2 ½ minute matches on a themed playing field. “They had to solve a set of missions, along with researching, developing, and then sharing their innovative solutions—and  they truly excelled,” she stated.  The Taz Bots, who were one of 64 teams from around the world, formed a friendly alliance with team FAV from the Netherlands. 

At the closing Award Ceremony, the Taz Bots received a team trophy and individual medals.  In the photo above, the team (wearing gray t-shirts) show off the trophy as they  pose with Ms. Gibson and team Fav from the Netherlands.

For more information, contact Dr. Gibson, 561-739-5700 or email Gloria.gibson@palmbeachschools.org.