This year, McCracken County’s LEGO Robotics teams embarked on an extraordinary journey through RCX’s Mission Horizon: Headed to the Moon challenge. Sponsored by Robo Challenge Xtreme, this space-themed event tasked students with designing, building, and programming LEGO Spike Prime robots to complete precise, angle-based missions, emphasizing loops, rotations, and using “suitcases” in their code to handle repeated measurement commands.

From Backyards to Battlegrounds of Innovation

Over 25 youth, from homeschoolers to public school students, assembled into three competitive teams. With guidance from 4-H volunteers and STEM mentors, they practiced tirelessly on custom mats featuring objects set at 45°, 60°, and 90°, some hidden behind movable barriers.

“I learned that teamwork really matters when it comes to completing the missions.” Isaac Jett (Elementary team member).

Stellar Performances at Regionals and Beyond

Two teams qualified for the RCX regional tournament, held in Lexington. They showed their knowledge and teamwork to win their divisions. They embraced RCX’s Core Values of teamwork, innovation, and gracious professionalism. Throughout the challenge, students:

• Collaborated to troubleshoot robot design under pressure.
• Communicated their mission strategies to judges and peers.
• Showcased leadership, with younger members stepping up to mentor new participants.