March Newsletter

Robotics Teams
Winter season of robotics ended successfully.  Our teams, elementary and middle school, competed at Ladera Ranch and Mt SAC in Walnut.  Although we're taking a small break now, there will be at least one more event probably in April for competition.  Then at the World Championships, the new VEX IQ game for 2015-2016 will be announced.  This year we are going to put together a small team of young, creative designers and builders to get the robot going even before the team gets together in the fall.  Last year, our best was 5th place.  This year, we managed a 3rd place.  Next year??  Could we possibly qualify for the State Championships?!
Challenge Nights
So far this year, our Challenge Nights have been a big hit, full to capacity with long waiting lists!  Pizza and a robotics challenge - what could be better?  Laguna Hills Library, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Costa Mesa all found grants to provide these programs to their kids at no cost!  That's what we are all about.  Providing robotics and engineering experiences to school aged kids.

Coming Up
In March, we have a Tug of War Bot competition at the SAMLARC Beach Club
in Rancho Santa Margarita.  Friday, March 27 from 5:30-8:30 PM, ages 8-14.  $35 for pizza and 3 hours of creating your robot for the tug of war.  Gear ratio, balance, weight, friction...hmmm, what will you create?  Call SAMLARC at 709-0027 to register.

March 28 from 10 AM to 1 PM, we will be at Rancho Santa Margarita Central Park with the Critter Expo.  Some of our team members will be there to demonstrate their robots and driving skills, maybe even have a little friendly competition.  Kids attending the Expo can sign up for a chance to drive a robot in a 1-minute round of HighRise, this year's competition game.  This event is free and more of a demo, but should be lots of fun.  Walkups are allowed but kids who signup will be first in line!  Give me a call to get on the schedule, Cheri (949) 291-2460.

Summer teams will be starting in May.  We are planning San Clemente, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Lake Forest.  Even better if we can find more teams.  We are hoping to get a league going for the fall.  We might even lend out a robot kit if you want to get your own team together to be in our league.

Check out our Facebook page at Facebook.com/MATHmaniaRobotics.  Like us!!
Thanks,
Cheri Haggard
949.291.2460
cheri@MATHmaniaRobotics.com