NEWARK, N.J. – It was a big day of big ideas on Saturday at the District’s third-annual Robotics Competition, presented by the District’s Office of Educational Technology at Newark Vocational High School.

Working within the First Lego League’s theme of “Submerged,” which focused on life beneath the ocean’s surface, robotics teams from the District’s elementary schools used their creativity and Lego building bricks to develop their robotic innovations.

Teams earned points for developing innovations to improve life in the ocean. For example, the Belmont Runyan School team created “a cleaner and safer lobster cage.” Too often, lobsters caught in traps are never retrieved and are either left to die or get seriously injured trying to escape, the teammates said. The teams’ cage allows crustaceans to enter the trap more easily and is battery-powered, making it easier for people to retrieve their catch.

Teams were also evaluated on their robots’ designs and their ability to navigate them through an obstacle course with an oceanic theme.

Technology High School students and Teacher Joseph Ford were on hand to coach the robotics teams and participated as judges.

Before the competition’s award winners were announced, Executive Director of Information Technology Abdullah Ansari, another one of the competition’s judges, announced that every one of the robotics teams would receive their own laptop and robotics table, which will make it easier for teams to design and prepare robots for future competitions.

Lisa Hromoko, Vice Principal of Lafayette School and Districtwide Robotics Coordinator, commended all of the students who participated in the event.

“All of you work very hard to be here, and that makes every single one of you a winner,” Hromoko said. “You should all be very proud.”

Superintendent León expressed his pride in all the student participants.

“Your creativity, hard work, and passion for innovation in this year’s Robotics Competition are inspiring,” Superintendent León said. “Events like this would not be possible without the dedication and collaboration of our educators, mentors, judges, and the support of your parents and caregivers. I thank you all for making this competition such a success.”

Board of Education President Hasani K. Council offered his congratulations.

“This year’s Robotics Competition showcased the incredible talent, creativity, and determination of our students to overcome challenges with innovative solutions,” said President Council. “I want to congratulate every student who participated. You are all winners in our eyes. I also want to thank the teachers, mentors, organizers, and parents who made this event possible.”

This year’s award recipients were:

First Place: Ridge Street School
Second Place: Lafayette Street School
Third Place: Franklin School