WJH team takes first place in robotics tournament

By Gary Raham
Wellington Correspondent

Know anything about programming robots or the burgeoning new field of nanotechnology?

If not, ask one of the seven-member team at Wellington Junior High, which just came away with a first prize in the FIRST State Lego League Robotics Tournament, held on the University of Colorado campus in Boulder on Dec. 9.

Teams could win in several categories related to programming robots to accomplish a series of tasks on a common "playing field" during a 2.5-minute time limit, or in researching a problem in some aspect of nanotechnology --the study of microscopic particles used to create useful materials or perform tasks. The Wellington team won in the category of Most Innovative Solution to the research challenge, which involved creating a new nanotech product. The team created a proposal for VIP: Virtually Indestructible Paper, which could be used to preserve books or other important records and documentation. In its presentation, the team described how nanoparticles of silver, when embedded in paper, could protect against decay by microorganisms. Sodium hydroxide particles could protect paper from acidification, and zinc oxide could provide ultraviolet light (UV) damage control. Carbon nanotubes strengthen paper and yet other particles protect against heat and water.

"The judges were impressed by how the kids took so many different nanotechnologies and combined them into one project," said team coach Darel Emmot, an HP engineer who volunteered to help the students during Eagles After Hours, a program that provides fun and valuable activities after regularly scheduled school time.

Emmot plans to continue coaching "as long as the kids are getting something out of it," he said. Emmot's son, Alan, participates on the team.

"We looked on this as a learning year," said science teacher Vicky Jordan, "so we were really tickled when the kids took a trophy."

They faced 67 teams in the competition. With only one ninth grader on the team, they will have many experienced members back for next year's competition. And ninth grader Clinton Keackstadt is looking forward to the high school version of the competition.

"I was really impressed with the demos (at the high school level) I saw at the tournament," said Keackstadt, which included various ways to use nanoparticles in fabrics.

One important theme they stressed when describing VIP was to be aware of potential problems--like the environmental impact of nearly indestructible paper. Science teacher Jordan said they picked up on this while studying the science fiction book, "Prey," by Michael Crichton, in which runaway, self-programming nanoparticles get out of hand. In fact, one of the research findings that most surprised team member Emmot was that Israel is developing a "bionic hornet" weapon using nanotechnology that could chase, photograph and kill small targets--like individual terrorists.

The acronym FIRST in the tournament title stands for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology." Wellington's young scientists will take both inspiration and the cautionary lessons they've learned into future competitions.