This year, the Dallas Independent School District’s (Dallas ISD) FIRST Robotics League teams have achieved remarkable success, with numerous teams advancing to regional, state, and even world championship competitions, according to Dallas Metro News, a news outlet covering news about Dallas. The district’s teams have thrived in competitive robotics, displaying their innovation, problem-solving abilities, and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
At the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Explore World Championship held in Houston last month, team #27819 “LEGO Elites” from Gilbert Cuellar Sr. Elementary School secured the Challenge Solution Award. Comprising students from kindergarten through third grade, the team demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills while presenting their findings on novel methods for developing, storing, and utilizing renewable energy. Their innovative solution was accompanied by a “Show Me Poster” detailing their challenge-solving journey and a LEGO model build that replicated their research outcome. This victory marked the first time a Dallas ISD team participated in the FLL Explore World Championship, rendering the achievement all the more significant.
Furthermore, Emmett J. Conrad High School’s FRC “RoboChargers” enjoyed an impressive season this year, clinching the UIL FRC State Robotics Champions title in Houston and earning a bid to the FIRST World Championship. The RoboChargers ranked fifth globally with an overall record of 48-6 and finished second overall in their division. The School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center’s FTC team “Iron Reign” also had the honor of competing at the FIRST World Championship, receiving the Motivate Award for inspiring students worldwide with their STEM expertise and enthusiasm. Their summer project involved transforming a real, full-size excavator into a robot, which they showcased through videos and presentations while teaching students how to program robots at numerous events throughout the year.
Dallas ISD’s FIRST Robotics League teams have experienced tremendous growth this season, with over 200 teams and many first-time coaches. The Computer Science & Technology department hosted seven festivals, four Regional Qualifiers, the FLL Challenge NTX Regional Championship, four coaches’ workshops, two student-led workshops, and several scrimmages. The district’s teams’ exceptional success culminated in the Outstanding District Award, which recognizes school districts that support community service, STEM team growth, and coach leadership development. The award underscores the school districts that promote team-building approaches to bolster FIRST philosophies of gracious professionalism and cooperation through discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork, and fun.
