Carmel HS Takes on FIRST Robotics Championship with Educational Destinations
Thirty robotics students from Carmel HS (IN) joined teams from all over the world to compete at the annual FIRST Championship in Houston, TX. After a whirlwind of travel and double-elimination matches, the varsity Carmel team, the 868 TechHOUNDS, walked away as Division Champions, with their final alliance ranking second in the world.
This year, the FIRST Championship comprised 600 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams representing 50 countries. Students qualified depending on their performance in state championships, only learning their eligibility for the world championship 1-3 weeks before departure.
Carmel HS students advanced about 10 days before the competition, so Educational Destinations staff immediately began finalizing travel preparations to fast-track the group to Houston.
The Competition Experience
For the first portion of the competition, teams and their robots were randomly sorted into eight divisions named after famous scientists such as Archimedes and Galileo. The JV Carmel team, the 761 TechPUPS, was assigned to the Hopper Division, while the upperclassmen 868 TechHOUNDS competed in the Newton Division.
The event began with qualification matches, where students competed in randomized competition slots to earn ranking points. Students were prepared, all of them having programmed for and played the same “game” throughout the season. This year’s theme was “REBUILT,” so students worked to climb obstacles, collect balls (“fuel”) and score points in a game reminiscent of basketball.
After the qualification matches, the top eight ranking teams in each division chose other teams to form alliances. With four teams per alliance, only three competed at a time, with one on standby.
The eight alliances in each division engaged in bracket play, double-elimination style. The 868 TechHounds’ alliance was crowned as the champions of their division, qualifying them to advance to the final and most competitive portion of the competition: the Einstein Tournament.
The Einstein Tournament, the final bracket to determine the World Champions, was played by the top eight division champion alliances. After an intense back-and-forth battle, the TechHounds’ alliance took second place in the world.
Why Travel with Educational Destinations?
- Manages all outside responsibilities, such as hotel, flight, meals and transportation, so you can focus on your students and your robots
- Works with flight vendors to hold seats before state qualifiers to lock in the most cost-effective group rates and eliminate worries of flights filling
- Provides an on-site Tour Director to facilitate travel and handle any unexpected challenges that arise during the event
- Navigates challenging Championship housing bureau requirements to provide a stress-free lodging experience
- Can adjust to your booster needs and create and collect payment plans from group participants
- Facilitates relationships with bus companies nationwide to ensure smooth transportation during a competitive booking season
Why FIRST Robotics Championship?
- Provides an unmatched opportunity for robotics students to create life-long friendships within the activity and build community
- Acts as the culmination and celebration of a year’s worth of learning and dedication
- Offers educational seminars for students to attend when not competing, with topics spanning from interpersonal and professional development to STEM
Planning to attend next year’s FIRST Championship? Contact us today to get started!
