Robots, A Barbie Float and a Little "Operation"

Students set off a chain reaction in East Providence Saturday.

Kids from Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts filled the gym at  with Legos, robots, laptops and even a Barbie float.

They participated in the twentieth anniversary of the Robotics Park. The event was sponsored by the Rhode Island School of the Future, a non-profit dedicated to helping teach kids lifelong learning skills.

“We love the hands-on innovation,” said Glenn Piros, principal of Martin Middle School. “It’s great for student engagement.”

Riverside put together a project that turned the model of the popular “Operation” into a pinball-type game. They also sent a Barbie float out as part of the robotics parade.

Martin put together chain reaction project that included a Brain Boat and a Bone Car made out of Legos.

And the from Bay View, who won the RI FIRST Lego League 2011 Director’s Award, also gave a special demonstration of their work.

More than 200 students, including some from Barrington and Mt. Hope High School, participated in the event. Students from Mt. Hope showed off their award-winning FIRST Tech Challenge robots.