WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools welcomed more than 200 elementary students on Saturday for the 11th annual Elementary Robotics Showcase at the WCHS TRACC.

The event brought together 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade robotics club members from all eight elementary schools across the district. Since January, students have been preparing for this culminating experience, applying skills in coding, engineering, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Made possible through the continued partnership and support of Zimmer Biomet and the Zimmer Biomet Foundation, the showcase highlighted two interactive challenges designed to push students’ creativity and technical abilities.

In the Coding Challenge: Cat and Mouse, students programmed LEGO robotic mice to navigate a maze, retrieve a 3D-printed piece of cheese, and return to the starting point.

In the Engineering Challenge: Relay Race, teams of four worked together to design and code robotic racers to compete head-to-head down a track.

“Coding is now the new literacy, said Derek Pike, Elementary STEM Instructional Coach.

"This 21st-century skill is now considered just as important as reading, writing, and math,” Pike said.

Brock Rhodes, a 5th-grade teacher at Claypool Elementary, said the Showcase gives students the opportunity to grow in more than coding and engineering.

“Through these challenges, students practice problem-solving, perseverance, teamwork, and communication while learning to focus on what is right rather than who is right," he said.

Families filled the TRACC to support students, with parents, siblings and community members cheering on participants throughout the morning. The event also featured a lot of community involvement, with volunteers from Zimmer Biomet, Johnson & Johnson, Grace College and Warsaw Community Schools secondary honor societies assisting in running challenges and supporting teams.

“I felt an immense sense of pride watching the students present their robotics projects during the showcase,” said Rebecca Boldt, a volunteer from Johnson & Johnson. “The excitement and confidence they showed really highlighted how STEM activities can inspire and empower young minds."

Special thanks were extended to the many volunteers who dedicated their Saturday morning to ensure a successful event.

Dr. David Hoffert, superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools, emphasized the
importance of community partnerships in creating these opportunities. “Warsaw Community Schools is extremely grateful for the continued support of Zimmer Biomet and the Zimmer Biomet Foundation.

Their investment in STEM education and direct involvement with our students make events like the Elementary Robotics Showcase possible,” he said.

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