Crushers, Chicken Nuggets, Bob the Builders, Roboraptors, and Ctl, Alt, Elite! These are a small handful of the many creative and zany student team names representing 13 Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) schools in the LEGO Spike Robotics Challenge at the BWDSB Education Centre on March 2 and 4, 2026.
The junior (Grades 4-6) competition on Monday and intermediate (Grades 7-8) event on Wednesday allowed students to work through fundamental challenges progressing in complexity, as they programmed robots designed to move through infinity loops and obstacle courses. Learning how to park and transport materials were also key skills that students were able to acquire as they maneuvered their robots into parking spaces, and built grabbers to pick up and carry LEGO pieces.
While both challenges included a non-competitive track, whereby students could build their skills, the intermediate event allowed others a chance to compete for a place at Skills Ontario in May. Congratulations are extended to the Macphail Memorial Elementary School Master Builders, comprised of Eoin Keenan, Max Prociw (a winner from last year as well!), and Garrett Gonneau, who are off to the provincials!
The challenges offered multiple entry points and were designed to give students of all levels of experience an opportunity to get 'hands-on' in robotics. Student engagement was incredible on both days as participants persevered and surpassed their own expectations.