207 Lego Competitions

By Noor Ulain - November 20, 2008

All HHS robotics team members are participating in a Lego robot- building competition. As the competition started each team of 3-4 students were given a robotics kit to build any robot design they desired. A typical robot is made of a ‘brain’, motors, and sensors. Students new to the robotics program were taught how to program their robots—by their mentors (fellow second, third or fourth year team mates). This hands-on activity lets students apply what they learn in their other classes to real life. For instance, subjects like math and science determined the validity of their data. Each team was tested on their accuracy and creativity.

The first Lego competition challenged all students to program each of their robots to successfully emerge from a maze like field. While the second Lego competition required each team to program and build a robot in a way that it is able to lift as many as 10 ping pong balls of the ground.

MetalCrafters and the RoboFrogs

By Patricia Carranza and Vanessa Castellanos - November 3, 2008

Lennox Middle School is home to the RoboFrogs, an F.I.R.S.T. LEGO League robotics team. Ms. Morales, a former MetalCrafter, is now coach for this new team after completion of a degree in electrical engineering. The young team consists of nine eighth graders interested in the technology and engineering fields. They meet up three days a week in which current MetalCrafters attend their sessions and mentor them in whatever necessary. The RoboFrogs’ goal for this season is to create an innovative robot that uses all included sensors (touch, light, and sound).
 If attending the F.I.R.S.T.  LEGO League competition at Northrop Grumman on November 15, 2008, make sure to look for the RoboFrogs in their neon green shirts and the MetalCrafters as competition judges. [click picture to enlarge]

Coronado Speed Fest 2008

On the weekend of September 27 and 28, Team 207 gathered and headed to the Coronado Speed Festival in the city of San Diego.The festival, a sister event of Monterey Historic Automobile Races at Laguna Seca, gave way to to some of the most unique and classical cars in existence. Armed with a couple of past robots and excitement, the team was ready for a day full of discovery. The speed fest took place at the Coronado military base, so MetalCrafters were able to explore several models of military aircraft. Before any racing began our instructor Mr. Pacheco guided us around the base providing a tour and information about the many different cars. We learned interesting facts about how the cars are made and their inner workings. While roaming around some students met people like Vic Edelbrock and his daughter Christy. The students were also able to enjoy the experience of riding in a few of the race cars. [click picture to enlarge]

Arizona Regional 2008

By Patricia Carranza - March, 2008

For the first time in MetalCrafter history, Team 207 was awarded the Engineering Inspiration award. FRC's second-highest award is a symbol for the outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team's school and community.This along with the Motorola Quality award was the cause of enormous joy and sense of excellence for the team. Now Team 207 is preparing for the Los Angeles Regional and The Championship Event in Atlanta, Georgia hoping to once again walk in to competition as a strong and dedicated team.

2008 Class