By Tyler Pruett

tyler@southerntorch.com

BEST stands for Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology. At Cornerstone Christian Academy, the robotics team has attempted to implement promoting these important fields to both students and parents. Cornerstone is participating in its second year competing at the BEST Robotics competition. This year, game day will take place at the Agribusiness Center located in Rainsville. The competition begins early at 8:00 am with sixteen teams competing in preliminary rounds for a chance to participate in the Championship rounds later in the day. Other local teams competing against Cornerstone in the Northeast Alabama Hub of BEST Robotics include: DeKalb County Technology Center, Fort Payne High School, Plainview High School, and many others.

Last year, in its rookie year, Cornerstone’s robot advanced all the way to the final round. The team performed outstandingly in the seeding rounds and quickly climbed the point system. By the end of the day, Cornerstone came out third place of the entire competition.

The 2015 BEST Robotics theme is “Pay Dirt”. The objective of the game is to collect the core samples of various representative minerals. These items are worth varying amounts of points. Also, a team can make “repairs” to the course to earn additional points. Because BEST Robotics teaches how to accurately use a business model, each team must be familiar with the economics of mining. If a material is over-mined or under-mined, the team may lose points. Another way to win the competition is to win the BEST Award. This award will be given to the school who has best demonstrated its use of the engineering process, sportsmanship, teamwork, creativity, enthusiasm, and school and community involvement. Cornerstone is excited to compete another year in the BEST Robotics competition. Come cheer on Cornerstone as they compete this Saturday, November 7th. We appreciate your support!