Students take to int'l robotics championship

A group of local students between the ages of 11 and 14 are proving you need not be a scientist to be well versed in something as complex as nanotechnology.

As members of the Built on the Rock First Lego League robotics team, six home-educated students from Warren and Sussex counties have qualified for the International Competition in Atlanta by mastering the New Jersey Championship's nanotechnology mission at Mount Olive High School last month. Representing New Jersey, Built on the Rock will be among 104 teams from 38 countries competing in Atlanta from April 11-15.

In qualifying for the International Competition, the Built on the Rock team constructed a robot that successfully simulated various aspects related to nanotechnology, a science that involves the moving of atoms and molecules to make new discoveries. "Scientists believe that someday nanotechnology will allow us to find cures for diseases through the use of devices small enough to travel through the human body," states information on the First LEGO League Web site. "Others believe nanotechnology will allow us to travel into space in an elevator using a system of tiny tubes and centrifugal force. Because of nanotechnology, right now you can buy things like stain-resistant clothes and bouncier tennis balls."

The Built on the Rock Team, which includes three members from Independence Township, completed a detailed obstacle course during the recent Mount Olive competition that simulated numerous beneficial aspects of nanotechnology seen in the everyday world, including: testing stain-resistant fabric, releasing medicine into a person's body and lifting a truck using a thin cable made strong by carbon nanotube technology.

During the state championship in New Jersey, Built on the Rock's robot achieved three perfect scores out of four matches.

Coached by Independence resident Vickey Daudelin, the team includes three of her sons, Jonathan, Isaac and Timothy, Chase Billing, and brothers Christopher and Sean Hunton.

In the months leading up to last month's state championship run, the team spent about three weeks constructing the robot followed by weekly practice runs. "We practiced a lot and were confident in the way we designed and built the robot," said 14-year-old Christopher.

The team is now seeking local businesses and other groups interested in sponsoring them during their April trip to Atlanta. Those interested in sponsoring the team can contact coach Vickey by calling (908) 684-8859 or e-mailing daudelin79@comcast.net.

In addition to competing, the team has also presented demonstrations of its robot to community members, including residents of a senior living center in Newton.

"It (First LEGO League) is a great program that inspires the students to learn and go out in the community to present their research and robot," Vickey said.

Each year, Mount Olive High School hosts the state tournament, which Vickey said involves a great amount of organizational work. "A lot of volunteers donate their time to make it happen," she noted.

In accomplishing its outstanding robot-building skills, the Built on the Rock team draws its inspiration from a higher power.

"We picked the name 'Built on the Rock' because it's our goal to please God in everything we do, and we wanted a name that reflects that," states information on the team's Web site. "In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said that those who hear his words and do them are like those who build their house on the rock."

Staff Writer Kevin Lechiski can be reached at klechiski@njnpublishing.com or (908) 852-3397.