Middle school robotics program raises money for Mass trip

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Middle School Robotics program hosted its second annual Flea Market Fundraiser on Sunday, April 13.

Roughly 15 vendors set up in the Comet Gym for the event, bringing a wide range of goods from novelty mugs to homemade sweets to handmade jewelry. Meanwhile, Cosmic Smash Burger and Churasan were set up outside to serve lunch to visiting shoppers.

“It was a successful day,” said Coach Patrick Nyberg. “The food trucks were really busy and the vendors seemed to have a good day.”

Along with the flea market goods, the event also featured a silent auction of donated paintings and folded page book art to contribute to the fundraiser.

Meanwhile, visitors could buy tokens to spend for trying their hand at a variety of STEAM activities, challenging them to make the furthest flying paper airplane, the longest paper chain, the best paper rocket, and a 1-1000 LEGO hunt.

The top winners of the different challenges received 3D printer filament that can be used to create objects by the program’s 3D printer.

Outside of the Comet Gym, the kids of the robotics program offered demonstrations of what LEGO robotics is all about with a small tournament that wraps up the group’s spring league.

Funds raised during the flea market will go towards the Cosmic Snowball’s upcoming trip to Massachusetts where they will compete in the WPI Annual First Lego League Event.

Placing in the top five of this year’s state championship, the Snowballs earned an invite to the international invitational where they will be the only team from Iowa competing against more than 100 other robotics teams from around the world.

“It will be a cool experience,” said Nyberg. “We’re proud to represent Charles City.”

While out in Massachusetts, Nyberg plans to take the team out on a tour of Boston, making their trip even more memorable with a visit to a museum or possibly MIT to celebrate their achievements.

“They’ve earned every bit of their accolades,” said Nyberg.