This new year has definitely come in with its version of excitement. From cold and sleet to an unusual snow storm sweeping across the southeastern states. While South Carolina did not receive as much snow as some of our neighboring states, just one or two flakes have proven to shake the whole system. Thankfully, we are back on track and hope to continue with the programs as scheduled.
The LEGO Club is taking a slightly different approach to building during the winter season. After learning a little about the field of civil engineering, the campers were challenged to build a bridge following criteria set by the camp counselors. It is amazing how each group's design is taking shape. These lessons were planned and facilitated by members of FRC Team 9315 Coding Comets.
Just because the Comet Blox have built a submarine doesn't mean the excitement ends. These techies have disassembled the original bot. Then, they designed a LEGO car and are creating a code to maneuver it. After a few trials and many errors they figured out how to program it to move forward and backward rather than in a circular path. Way to go!
Reefscape is underway. If you haven't already, check out the name reveal for the new robot on the team's facebook page.
Engineering our Future....Leaders Summit
NoMa STEAM, in partnership with the City of Columbia, hosted a very informative mini-conference on Saturday, February 1. Organized by Urica Floyd, the summit was designed for middle and high school scholars who are interested in STEM fields. Three dynamic speakers shared tips and words of encourage for the teenagers. In addition, members of the Coding Comets showcased last season's robot and entertained numerous questions about their team, building techniques and lessons learned as they demonstrated the goals of last year's challenge.
Time is winding down and there is still a LOT to do. We have just begun to build the robot. Wiring and coding will follow. It is essential that we maximize the time that we have, so we are competition ready by March 1.
Updated Meeting Schedule
We will continue to meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00pm until 7:00pm.
Saturday meetings will begin on February 8.
February 6 4:00pm -7:00pm
February 8 1:00pm-4:00pm
February 11 4:00pm-7:00pm
February 13 4:00pm-7:00pm
February 14 10:00am-2:00pm (Friday)
February 15 no practice (Saturday)
February 17 10:00am- 2:00pm (Monday)
February 18 4:00-7:00pm
February 20 4:00-7:00pm
February 22 1:00-4:00pm
February 25 4:00-7:00pm
February 27 4:00-7:00pm
*Any schedule changes will be communicated via GroupMe.
Competition Travel
We know that there are a few schedule conflicts with other activities that were planned on competition dates. As we finalize hotel and meal arrangements, we ask that you immediately communicate any dates your scholar will not be at competition. As previously communicated, the team has grown, and we have limited slots this year.
Competition dates are excused by the SC Department of Education as an educational field trip. The students will only miss school on Friday for each competition.
Competition Dates
March 6-8, 2025: Hartsville Event
Competition Site:
Coker University - DeLoach Center
451 E. Carolina Avenue
Hartsville, SC 29550
March 20-22, 2025: North Charleston Event
Competition Site:
The City of North Charleston Athletic Center
5794 Casper Padgett Way
North Charleston, SC 29406
April 3-5, 2025: District Championship
Anderson, SC.
Our sponsor, FIRST Bank, stopped by the workshop and caught some of our scholars in the thick of some amazing work. We are so appreciative of all who support our youth and the work we are doing.