Area November 18, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 9 Every Saturday since August, groups of students ages 8-12 have been diligently at work in the basement of the Glen Rock Library. They are preparing to compete in the regional robotics competition of the FIRST LEGO League later this month. The students have been building and programming LEGO-based robots to solve a regimen of tasks outlined in this year’s challenge, “Smart Move,” a theme relating to transportation. The “game field” is a 4x8 playing surface and the robot is powered by LEGO Mindstorms, a 32-bit microprocessor with sensors and motors. Six local teams prepare for robotics competition At the competition, teams earn points and ultimately awards for the performance of their robot, teamwork, and an independent research project they present to the judges. The league places great importance on teamwork, and teaches gracious professionalism. The six local teams, comprised mostly of Glen Rock and Ridgewood students in elementary and middle school, are named LEGO Onions, LEGO Robot Alliance, Cyber Robots, Somerville Scicos, Ridgewood Einsteins, and Ridgewood (continued on page 23) ����������� ��������������������� Above left: Alex Mueninghoff and Molly Sokota at work in the programming environment. Above right: Mentor Sandra Mueninghoff helps Benjamin Unger with a robot accessory. Top right: Adrian Biagioli and Nick Spano test the programming they’ve written for their robot. Hair Care ��������������� ��������� ��������� ���������������� �������������� � ������������������� ����������������������������������� �������������� ��������������������� �������������������������������� ���������������������� ����������������������� �������������������� ��������������������������� ���������������������� ����������������������� ������� ��������� ������������ ������������������������������������ ����������������������������������� �������� ����������������������� ������������������������� �������������������� ������������ Your Remote Control HQ Featuring: You’re Source for R/C (Radio Control) Hobbyists KITS AND READY TO RUN, GAS / ELECTRIC CARS, BOATS, TRUCKS, BUGGIES, AIRPLANES, HELICOPTERS! Extensive Parts for the Above to Keep You On the Road and In the Air! We Specialize In Repairing and Customizing! Extremely Knowledgeable Staff Waiting to Assist Your Every Need! Too Many Features to List, ������������������������ So Come On In to See for Yourself! ������������������������ Waldwick 10 Franklin Turnpike, Located in the Center of Center Court ���������������������� Plaza Stores, Across from Nellie’s Place, North of Matthew’s Diner, to the Rear of Flowers by Joan. Just South of the Wyckoff Avenue Intersection on Franklin Turnpike. 201-445-8080 • Email: cruizinrc@aol.com e Same as the Stor ganized Racing. on Saturday, Or Reserve Call the Store to ll or See Ron Racing Lane. Ca Your e. Steve at the Stor and : Mini Z Trackter 7 PM Hours. Af