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
Founded in 1838, Sewickley Academy is Pittsburgh’s oldest independent coeducational school. Learn More
Sewickley Academy Hosts Robotics Tournament
By: Erin Whitaker, Middle School Technology Coordinator
On December 7 and 8, students from the Middle School Robopanthers robotics teams competed in the Western PA FIRST LEGO League Grand Championship tournament hosted by Sewickley Academy.
Over 800 students from around the region formed 85 teams that participated in the event. This year’s challenge, Into Orbit, focused on long term space exploration by astronauts. Students tried to solve a problem faced by humans during space exploration as well as design, build, and program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 technology to complete missions.
Friday evening consisted of judging sessions for the Robot Design, Project, and Core Values. For the Robot Design session, students demonstrated how their robot worked with the various attachments they created and showed their programming to the judges. For the Project, Team 1 presented on the mental health of astronauts during long-term expeditions and Team 2 presented on the effects of radiation and how to minimize exposure to it. The FIRST Core Values, which consist of discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork, and fun, were evaluated during a teamwork activity followed by questions about how the team worked together throughout the season to complete the challenges.
Saturday consisted of four rounds of the Robot Game, which included 15 different space-themed missions a robot has to try and successfully complete in two and a half minutes. Both Sewickley Academy teams were able to improve their score each round. Although the Robopanthers did not take home any trophies, they did place a respectable 24th and 31st out of 50 teams in the scholastic division and have much to be proud of. The Grand Championship marked the conclusion of the season and our students look forward to competing again next year.