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With a new term upon us, it was great to see the ten new teams along with some familiar faces. Every body fully refreshed after the christmas break were welcomed in the hall by Titan, a remarkable 8 ft dancing robot.
The room was full of anticipation as each team was tasked to build a tin can robot to start the eight week challenge.
A team member collected a starter kit comprising of a motor, battery pack and of course a soft drink can.
With instructions at the ready, each family began their construction.
As always there was plenty of help on hand if you required one to one guidence through a problem.
The robots started to take shape .
After a refreshment break, teams completed their robots and tested their hard work on the raised stage.
Each robot having their own unique design. Once completed each team could take their model robot home to show off to their freinds and family.
As the session closed Simon announced the animal themed robot challenge which will run over the next seven weeks. Each team was given an envelope with the identity of the animal they will build and compete at the final with.
But true to form in this family fun activity, there`s always somebody finding their own way to enjoy themselves!
WEEK 2 - The animal robots are coming........
All the teams gathered in the canteen area where the room was buzzing with enthusiasm as the main challenge was announced.
Simon ran through the contents of the orange boxes each team would be given and explained the object of the challenge. Each team had been assigned two different styles of animal robots. The team`s chosen robot (they will choose the best out of the two they've built), will be set off from a start line and head towards a tower of tubes with a marshmallow on top, they will crash through the tower and hopefully send the marshmallow flying. The team that sends the marshmallow the furthest wins this term`s power challenge.
Which one of the robots did your team receive?
With the introduction completed, it was time to collect your team`s box and start the building process.
Each box contained all the componants to create a moving robot, including some very small nuts, bolts and screws!
Even the battrey pack, switch and cog axles were built from scratch.
But with plenty of help on hand when required, everybody progressed well and had something to show for their efforts.
During the session the orders were taken for the new team`s T shirts. These are unique to each team and make everyone recognisable to other teams in the room.
Next week we hope to start an activity page. So if any creative children would like to draw, paint or build a model robot we can place it on the page to show off their works in true Tony Hart fashion (for all you parents). We can scan your artwork or photograph the models and enter the artist`s name by the side. Just hand it to Simon, Donna or a Speedy snail. Look forward to admiring your work.
WEEK 3 - Building a robot home......
While the robots progressed, most teams turned their attention to the optional robot dwelling. Everybody could let their imagination run wild as the children`s input will be judged on finals day.
When the shop opened for business, people choose from a wide range of paper, paints and recycled materials.
All around the room teams worked together with everybody young and old having their say.
If any questions arose, help was on hand to give one to one guidance.
The animal robots neared completion as arms and legs were added.
The whole point of these sessions was plain to see as it brought families together for fun creative times.
As the robots got their finishing touches, families assessed its qualities to see which one will be better for knocking the marshmellow off the cardboard tower.
The paints started to dry and the homes began to take shape.
The robots looked cute too. The Hudson Harriers` horse was named Harry and the jockey also got named Jonny as families fell in love with their new "pets".
But as the session closed, some children were still asking their parents whether all the parts were in the right places!
WEEK - 4 The Dalek invades the session............
Simon began the session by demonstrating the latest challenge. Each team will send their chosen robot down the table top, knocking over the cardboard tubes sending the marshmallow flying to record a power driven distance. The furthest distance will win the coverted trophy.
The teams then voted for the summer term`s challenge from a short list of monster trucks, cable cars, submarines and trains.
The teams set off on their creative works of art, not knowing there was an intruder arriving in the main hall!
The first mini challenge was announced where Lorna invited any younger member to join her and make a companion for their team`s robot.
As the refreshment break approached, word got out that the visitor was looking for his guests..............They made their way through to the main hall to welcome Mr Dalek.
It was great to see people`s reaction as the Dalek commanded the floor space. The movement and sound effects made this full size model very realistic.
It was a momment to treasure as the younger members posed for a group photograph.
Even the adults couldn`t resist the temptation to pose with their idol.
Back in the canteen, teams started to customise their robot with the aim of knocking the towers over in mind. Would you go for speed or accuracy?
The families continued their hard work with the room full of success as they reached the half way stage of the challenge.
The proud faces lit up the room.
During the half term break every team was tasked with making a robot out of recycled materials which would enable them to compete in the final. Donna proudly displayed her silver robot example, so check out the activity page after week 5 to see the team`s hard work.
The winner of the third and final power challenge was submarines with a total of 10 votes.
The air clay robot friends were finalised as the session came to a close. A colourful end to a fun filled morning.
So who was wearing the air clay hat and earrings.............
Have you joined the Whacky facebook page? This is a chance to chat between sessions, pick up tips / feedback and discuss any queries that may arise. It is a closed group so only people connected to Whacky are accepted onto the group. If you search Whacky Scrap Races on the facebook search engine then request to be a friend of Donna Levy or Daniel Snow, writing a message saying you would like to join the group. Any problems email whacky@fsmail.net and I will sort out any concerns.
To view the half term Get Set Go activity click Get Set Go Robot Challenge
WEEK 5 - Preparation for next week`s testing..........
The teams were welcomed back after the half term break when it was all hands to the pump to finish the robots for next week`s test session to decide which robot to race in the final.
The teams brought along their Get Set Go robots created over the break which added colour and variety to the room.
The different styles started to show.
At the beginning of the session, teams could finish off the painting of their Get Set Go robots.
The robots were now showing the team`s individual flair in the hope they had the right combination to knock the marshmallow the furthest.
The younger team members combined their energy with the adult`s knowledge to finalise their plans.
The room was full of activity with some teams adding to their robot`s dwellings.
It was good to see the robots in their new homes.
Some teams even started to race their robots!!
Week 6 - Test week.......
Simon welcomed all the teams to test week. The chance to test your robots along the course for the first time, to finalise the robot that each team would run on final`s day.
The new team`s were given their team T shirts which they were keen to show off their own identity.
As the testing started, the teams gathered round to add their support and also see for the first time the opposition.
It was fast and furious as the teams tested their creaions.
For some teams it was sucess.........
Others required some assistance!
Families returned to the work area to tweek their designs as they tried to decide which robot to nominate.
The levels of hard work were plain to see.
Back in the main hall, it was the case of "will it , won`t it" !!
Even the team`s unique styles were gaining interest.
The optional shelters were taking shape nicely too.
As each distance was recorded, the teams chose their robot which will represent them in week eight.
But it was good to see families having fun together which is the real reason they all come............
Every robot created over half term is featured on the Activity Gallery page.
Check on your artwork by clicking on Activity Gallery
Week 7 - Final preperations...........
The buzz filled the room as the teams made the final push towards 'power' for next week`s final.
Each family worked hard to find the formula which would see them triumph.
The finishing touches were made to the robots as the similar model kits have been transformed into unique individual creations.
Then it was through to the main hall where you could test for the last time before the final, if you dare!!
After the refreshment break, attentions turned to finishing the optional shelters which will complement the robots next week.
But for some, the strain was showing as the robots had a mind of their own!!
Look forward to seeing you all next week. Don`t forget to wear your team T shirts and your family smile!
Week 8 - Final`s day.....
The room soon filled as the teams arrived at the last session of the Spring term`s robot challenge. Who would take away the coverted trophy?
The teams waited with anticipation as they displayed their robots with the optional habitat, the fruits of all the hard work families had put in over the previous seven weeks.
The judging began as Councillor Jean Gardner of Tilehurst Parish Council, Rick Jones of Purley Parish Council and a retiring Sgt. Barry Walker of Thames Valley Police moved around the room.
Meanwhile competing teams turned their attentions to the first of two runs in the main hall.
After all twenty two teams had registered their first distance, it was time to take advantage of a full range of refreshments including a celebrational robot cake.
Then it was back to the main hall to complete the second run. The team with the furthest positive distance travelled by the marshmallow as it was pushed off the tube tower would be announced the winner.
All the prizes were on display as the judges made their final decisions.
The teams gathered in the main hall to hear the final results. Would Speedy Snails win the wooden spoon?
The final recorded distances were as follows (distances in brackets are the lower distance recorded).........
1st.......Top Team Mates.........................................................100 cms (21cm)
2nd.......Astro Boyz...................................................................83 cms (29cm)
3rd.......Clever Cheetahs............................................................74cms (42cm)
4th......Alphabot....................................................................68.5 cms (26cm)
5th.....Hudson Harriers............................................................66 cms (-17cm)
6th.......Speedy Snails..............................................................64 cms (16cm)
7th........Team Gibbins.............................................................63 cms (33cm)
8th....Blast Off Bannings.........................................................60 cms (37cm)
9th.....Bailey Bashers...............................................................57 cms (21cm)
10th.......Team Tornado............................................................46 cms (-8cm)
11th..........Intervention............................................................42 cms (-99cm)
12th...............In Fire.................................................................41cms (-9cm)
13th.......................Molley Mechanics.....................................37.5cms (6cm)
14th............Wright Battalion.....................................................37cms (-2cm)
15th..............................Beech Boys..........................................23cms (-21cm)
16th...........Burn Out..............................................................20cms (-15.5cm)
17th..........Bracknell Builders..........................................................18cms (X)
18th.....Team Rowlinson............................................................10cms (-11cm)
19th.........Wallace and the Grommits..........................................-4cms (-7cm)
20th..........59ers............................................................................-9.5cms (X)
21st..................Awesome Outstanding Owens..........................-30cms (-86cm)
22nd........Bazbots....................................................................-35cms (-11cm)
Awards
Teams' Cleanest Workstations - Team Gibbins
Team Work (session leaders award) - Bazbots
Use of Recycling (session leaders award) - Wallace and the Grommits
People's award (teams vote) - Team Tornado
Best (Optional) habitat - Team Tornado
Best Robot Design (Highly commended) - Top Team Mates
Best Robot Design (winner)- Team Tornado
Wooden Spoon Award (furthest distance travelled backwards) - Intervention
Third Place - Clever Cheetahs
Second Place - AstroBoyz
Winner - Top Team Mates
Attendees award - Alphabot
Award for introducing another family to Whacky Scrap Races - Clever Cheetahs
