Speed and Innovation: Middle School Robotics Teams Thrill at Polaris Palooza

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Polaris Palooza Ignites Robotics Passion in Ohio Middle Schoolers

Published March 23,2025

MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS,Ohio — The Polaris Career Center buzzed with excitement on March 14 as middle school robots-transition-through-the-surgical-system-of-the-future/” title=”Gen 5 medical "…" transition through the surgical sy… of the future.”>students showcased their ingenuity at the annual Polaris Palooza robotics competition. Teams from Berea-Midpark, Brooklyn, Fairview Park, North olmsted, Olmsted Falls, and Strongsville put their robots to the test in the MadGrab and Dragster challenges.

Robots at Polaris Palooza had their ups and downs during the MadGrab competition.

The atmosphere was electric as students put months of hard work on display.For many,this wasn’t just a competition,but a culmination of after-school meetings,problem-solving sessions,and collaborative teamwork. The event highlights the growing importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow.

Cody Doud, Polaris Palooza Coordinator and a Polaris satellite instructor at Strongsville Middle School, beamed with pride as he watched the students. Some of these kids have been working two to three months on these projects, meeting every day after school, Doud said. The best part is watching the kids have fun with people they don’t get to see all the time.

MadGrab: Innovation in Motion

The MadGrab competition challenged teams to design robots capable of quickly and efficiently scooping balls into designated buckets. This required not only mechanical prowess but also strategic thinking and precise programming.

For Berea-Midpark Middle School students Johnathan Tran, Weston Daniels, and Mazen Lababidi, the MadGrab was the main event. We worked almost every single day on it (since late January), Tran explained. Their strategy? Innovation.We decided to add a motor on the scoop, which nobody else did, Lababidi said. That gave us a movement advantage. This simple yet effective addition proved to be a game-changer, propelling them to a Round 1 victory and showcasing the power of creative problem-solving.

Dragster: The Need for Speed

What do you think is the biggest challenge in getting more students involved in STEM?

Interview: Cody Doud on Fostering Robotics Passion at Polaris Palooza

Published March 23, 2025

Archyde News: welcome, Cody.Thank you for joining us. The Polaris Palooza robotics competition seems to have been a resounding success. As the coordinator, what were some of the highlights for you?

Cody Doud: Thanks for having me! Seeing the students’ dedication and the innovative robots they built was truly inspiring. The MadGrab and Dragster competitions were especially exciting this year and just watching the teamwork was great.

The Impact of STEM Education

Archyde News: It’s clear the event is more than just a competition; it’s about fostering STEM education.How does Polaris Palooza contribute to preparing students for the future?

Cody Doud: Absolutely. By engaging in robotics, students learn critical skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. These skills are not just relevant in STEM fields but are valuable in any career path.

Student Innovation and Challenges

Archyde News: The MadGrab competition sounds engaging. What were some of the key innovations that emerged from this year’s event?

Cody Doud: It was fantastic to see the creativity. One team from Berea-Midpark added a motor to their scoop, giving them a significant advantage. It underscored how simple,focused innovations can make a big difference. The dragster challenge saw a lot of cool work to.

The Bigger Picture

Archyde News: What’s the long-term vision for Polaris Palooza, and how do you hope it continues to evolve?

Cody Doud: our goal is to keep expanding participation and incorporating new technologies. We want to inspire as many students as possible to explore STEM fields. We’re always looking for ways to make the events even more engaging and educational and bring the challenge to other school districts. The key is making it fun so kids build their love of learning.

A Call to Action

Archyde News: It’s easy to see the passion. What advice would you give to students who are just starting to explore robotics or STEM?

Cody Doud: Don’t be afraid to experiment and fail. The best learning comes from trying, making mistakes, and getting back up to try again.Find a project that excites you, collaborate with others, and most importantly, have fun with it. What do you think is the biggest challenge in getting more students involved in STEM?