Fulton Science Academy's All-Female Robotics Team Wins the Champion's Award

Alpharetta, GA. – December 12, 2016 – Fulton Science Academy Private School’s robotics team “Control+Alt+Delete” had a strong weekend at the FLL Regional Robotics Championships, taking home both the “First Place Champion’s Award” and the “Best Overall Robot Performance Award.”

The results of the weekend competition were exciting, but the fact that the awards were secured by the school’s first all-female robotics team made it even more special! More than 32,000 FLL teams compete in robotics competitions like this one annually, very few of which are comprised of only female students.

“It was such a wonderful feeling to have watched these young ladies work so hard to prepare for this competition and then to see the joy on their faces when they earned two top awards,” said FSAPS Principal, Kenan Sener. “These young women are true role models, not only for their fellow students here at Fulton Science Academy, but also for younger female students all over who embrace science, mathematics, and engineering.”

The FIRST LEGO League (FLL) challenges kids in more than 80 countries to think like scientists and engineers. The theme for this year, "ANIMAL ALLIES," tasked teams with choosing and solving a real-world animal problem. Students were expected to address the problem and propose a solution using detailed research, presentation materials, and the creation of a prototype. They also had to build, test, and program an autonomous robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology to solve a set of missions in the competition’s Robot Game. Throughout their experience, teams had to operate under the FIRST LEGO League signature set of Core Values, celebrating discovery, teamwork, and Gracious Professionalism®.

Control+Alt+Delete decided to tackle this project by researching a more natural way to eliminate mosquitos without using pesticides because pesticides have been linked to adverse health effects including brain tumors (PubMed.gov). After further research, students learned that bats were a natural solution; they can eat up to five thousand mosquitoes nightly, and they are somewhat easy to attract.

As part of their project, the team constructed a bat house with a vent can that would open or close based upon the temperature. If temperatures are above 65ºF, the vent will open (allowing air circulation and an increased likelihood that bats will visit), but if temperatures are below 65ºF, the vent closes, allowing the bats to remain inside and stay warm.

Along with this project, members of Control+Alt+Delete created a mosquito trap for smaller spaces that is effective as well, using carbon dioxide and LED lights to attract them towards a fan that sucks them into the enclosure. The project was detailed and the team presented their work to a judging panel.

Yasin Kaya, FSAPS Robotics Coach, emphasized the importance of cautious enthusiasm. “I have told the girls that although I am very proud of them, their work is really just beginning. Next they will move onto Super Regionals in January and then, if they perform well, onto globals in the spring, where thousands of teams from all over the world come together to participate in an unforgettable experience."

According to the National Girls Collaborative Project, women remain underrepresented in the science and engineering workforce, although to a lesser degree than in the past, with the greatest disparities occurring in engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences (NSF, Science & Engineering Indicators, 2016). Additionally, women make up half of the total U.S. college-educated workforce, but only 29% of the science and engineering workforce.

Statistics such as these are a driving force behind Fulton Science Academy’s desire to recruit and retain talented young female students like those who comprise Control+Alt+Delete. Team members include: Anjali B., Claire B., Kalissa G., Krishna P., Manasvi G., Shriya G., Sibel O., Sofiya J.

According to team members, Claire B. and Manasvi G., “We chose this name for a very special reason; much the same way someone needs to hit all three keys (Control+Alt+Delete) in unison to reboot a computer, so too do we rely upon the skills and talents of ALL of our team members working in unison to perform at our fullest potential."

The young ladies will next compete in the FLL super regional competition in mid-January.

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About Fulton Science Academy Private School

Fulton Science Academy Private School (FSAPS) has fostered a “yearn to learn” culture where students embrace an innovative, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum. Our extracurricular programs are widely recognized; FSAPS proudly represented the state of Georgia in five national and international academic competitions in 2016. The school was recognized as the best Private School by Appen Meda and received a prestigious 2016 STEM Education Award from the Technology Association of Georgia. Currently, FSAPS has 450 students in Pre-K through high school. The study body is diverse and reflects award-winning academic teams, competitive athletes, personal entrepreneurs, professional working actors, and award-winning critical thinkers. Built upon core values of excellence, innovation, and character, FSAPS has engineered a school of the future today. For more information, please visit http://www.fultonscienceacademy.org.