On Wednesday, 21st October (Week 2 of this term), the Tauriko Techinators (Micah Verstappen, Regan Cumming, Isabelle Hurley and Max Dreaneen) went to Tauranga Intermediate School to compete in the Epro8 Semi Finals 2020. In the heats we’d come third so that meant we got to go through to the semi-finals.

In the semi finals, we had to build either a crane, a swing, a mars rover, or an air freight. The ones we chose were the crane and the mars rover. For the crane we had to build a structure at least 1.8m tall, capable of lifting 1kg. For the mars rover we had to build a rover capable of carrying a 5kg load, then build a gearbox to control its speed. We had to make it go 1m every 1 - 2 minutes, which is very slow… And we did it!

We ended up coming fourth. That meant we were going to the Grand Final because it was the Top 6 that went through.

On Thursday, 29th October (Week 3 of this term), the Tauriko Techinators headed over to Mokoia Intermediate School, all the way in Rotorua. We left school at 2:00pm and arrived there around 3:30pm. It started at 4:00pm and went on until 7:00pm.

We had to build either a toilet, curtains, a scooter, or a toaster. This time we worked on three different challenges - the curtains, the toilet and the toaster. First, we did the curtains. There were already a pair of curtains, so we had to build the frame with the curtains on it. The set criteria was that we had to use ropes and pulleys to make it so that one rope opened both the curtains, and then the other rope closed them.

Next we chose to make the toilet. For the first set of criteria we had to build a frame to hold Micah (being the lightest person on the team). There was already a toilet seat that was modified to fit on the equipment. Micah had to sit on it to prove it worked. The next set of criteria was that we had to use laser sensors, so when Micah sat on the toilet, a light would turn on. It was pretty funny.

Finally, we did the toaster. Again, it was modified so we could connect it to the other equipment. We had to build a frame to hold the toaster and a metal rod that went in to the press handle. When we pulled the metal rod out, the toast popped up.

We ended up coming 7th in the Grand Final, but we were just proud of ourselves that we even got to that point.

Student Voice:

In the semi-finals, we didn't quite get there with the last criteria on the mars rover even though we knew how to do it. - Max Dreaneen, Year 8.

It was a fun and different experience, and it gave us a chance to work together. - Isabelle Hurley, Year 7

It was really cool that we got into the Semis and then the Grand Final! My favourite challenge was the crane. - Micah Verstappen, Year 7.

It was fun and challenging but cool that we got the opportunity to go to the semis / finals. - Regan Cumming, Year 7.