Sewickley Academy is distinguished by not only its rigorous academics and outstanding faculty, but also by its student-centered approach to learning and teaching, in which every child is challenged to explore and excel to his or her highest ability. Request Info
Exceptional Programs, Small Classes, and Talented faculty
Sewickley Academy is distinguished by not only its rigorous academics and outstanding faculty, but also by its student-centered approach to learning and teaching, in which every child is challenged to explore and excel to his or her highest ability. Learn More
Academy graduates join a network of more than 4,000 alumni across the globe. Astronauts, world-renowned doctors, fashion designers, chefs, filmmakers, zombie experts, world travelers – our alumni are proof that students become determined, courageous, and caring individuals ready to take on life's next challenges. Learn More
Sewickley Academy Welcomes Over 700 Students to the FIRST LEGO Robotics Championship
By: Erin Whitaker, Middle School Technology Coordinator
Sewickley Academy hosted the Western PA FIRST LEGO League Grand Championship tournament on December 14 and 15.
Over 700 students from around the region formed 70 plus teams that participated in the event. This year’s challenge, City Shaper, focused on community spaces such as buildings, parks, and other public structures.
Students from the Middle School Robopanthers robotics teams competed alongside 50 other teams in their division on the first day of the competition. Students tried to solve a problem related to community spaces as well as design, build, and program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 technology to complete missions.
For the Robot Design presentation, students demonstrated how their robot worked with the various attachments they created and showed their programming to the judges. For the Project Presentation, Robopanthers Red presented on the impacts of environmental issues such as air quality, radiation, and decibel levels. Robopathers Black presented on abandoned buildings and how to transform or repurpose these spaces. The FIRST Core Values, which consist of discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork, and fun, were evaluated by a teamwork activity followed by questions about how the team worked together throughout the season to complete the challenges.
Both Sewickley Academy teams were able to improve their robot game scores throughout the day and placed 13th and 41st out of 52 teams in the scholastic division. The Grand Championship marked the conclusion of the season and our students look forward to competing again next year.