On Tuesday 11th August 2020, the Tauriko Techinators (Micah Verstappen, Regan Cumming, Isabelle Hurley and Max Dreaneen) and the Tauriko Sniffs (Luke Cumming, Drew Bryan, Logan Wood and Josh Tokelove) took part in the Epro8 Challenge at Tauranga Intermediate.

At the EPro8 challenge we have to complete a series of challenges which involve engineering and problem solving skills. The teams compete to: Build large sized structures, solve practical problems, engineer using pulleys, motors, gears, wheels and axles, invent simple machines, undertake fun experiments, construct electronic circuits and solve practical maths problems.

At the event, 10 teams are each based at a workstation containing an impressive assortment of easy to use parts and equipment. Teams are given a booklet containing four challenges. Teams will choose which challenges they wish to undertake. Harder challenges are worth more points. The teams have 2 ½ hours to do as many challenges as they can. There is not enough time to finish all the challenges. Strategy is required to know which ones to go for.

When teams have completed a challenge, they push ‘The Big Red Button’. When the button is hit cool music and flashing lights come on. They will be judged and the points will be added to the live leaderboard. The team with the most points at the end wins!

On the night, both the Tauriko Techinators and the Tauriko Sniffs, started our challenges with the roller coaster. We had to make a roller coaster that a ball could roll down. Next we moved on to the shopping trolley. With this challenge we had to make a shopping trolley that could be electronically controlled to go forwards, backwards, left and right. The challenges were really hard, but our teams persevered.

The Tauriko Techinators came a close 3rd! They were only 30 points away from 2nd. Here are what the teams thought of the event:

Luke Cumming: It was quite hard but very enjoyable at the same time.

Isabelle Hurley: It was fun and difficult.

Drew Bryan: The electronics were interesting and fun to play with.

Joshua Tokelove: It was fun, but it was harder than all the other times I've done it.

Max Dreaneen: It was cool. The last hour was intense but it seemed to take forever.

Logan Wood: It was awesome!

Micah Verstappen: It was really fun and I would definitely want to do it again next year!

Regan Cumming: It was AWESOME and challenging but the Tauriko Techinators worked well together. I would definitely want to do it again.