Hansford County 4-H Robotics compete in First Lego League Competition

On March 4, 2023, three Hansford County 4-H teams traveled to Liberal, KS to compete in a regional robotics competition, known nationally as the First Lego League Competition. This year’s competition theme was Super Powered, in which teams built and programmed robots to complete “energy” related missions.

Teams prepared for months by constructing complex robots, and developing code that once transferred to the Lego robot, allowed teams to execute various missions. During the competition, each team began by presenting innovative projects in a “Shark Tank” like environment. First, the panel of judges tested each individual’s knowledge of First Lego League core values to include: discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork, and fun. Next, teams presented their respective innovation projects designed to solve problems in each team’s local community, and fielded questions from judges concerning the groundbreaking concepts. Team Robotniks from Spearman created a portable windmill system designed to keep irrigation systems operational during power outages. Next, the teams presented the unique design of their robot to the panel of judges, explaining the functions of each attachment.

Finally, each team entered their robots into the arena, competing against other teams to complete an array of tasks in a limited amount of time.

During the competition, Hansford County 4H teams competed mostly against schools that offer robotics as a Junior-High elective course allowing for programming practice and robot development on a daily basis. Although the odds were high and the experience level was low, all Hansford County teams performed well and received high marks during the competition. The contestants look forward to participating again next year and they look forward to continue the development of STEM capabilities throughout the community. If you or your business would like to support these young men and women, please reach out to the Hansford County Extension Office.

TEAM LIGHTNING THIEVES (Spearman)

Coach: Danielle Jackson

Logan Anderson

Baron Maestas

Corabella Piatt

Jack Steger

Zaidyn Vincent

TEAM ROBOTNIKS (Spearman)

Coach: Danielle Jackson

Matthew Anderson

Rylan Alexander

Sean Chinn

Caiden Jackson

Anthony Sanchez

Clara Steger

Jack Thomas

POWER BUCKS (Gruver)

Coaches: Nikki Hart, Kristy Slough and Britt Borden

Special Assistant: Briggs Borden

Eastin Borden
Mabrie Hart

Annie McLean

David Palma