Robotics Team Combats Marine Debris Using... Robots!
February 21, 2014 by NOAA Marine Debris Program

By: Andrea Kealoha

Innovative solutions are borne through inspiration, teamwork, and an
attitude that combines friendly competition with mutual gain. These core
values were at play last fall when 15 fun-loving and highly motivated
fourth and fifth graders from Kea’au Elementary School on the Big Island
won a 3rd place prize for their marine debris solution in a FIRST®LEGO®
League (FFL) competition.

The students, part of the elementary school’s LunaTechs robotics team,
participated in the 2013 NATURE’S FURY Challenge, where over 200,000
children from over 70 countries were challenged to develop an innovative
solution that helps communities prepare, stay safe, or rebuild after a
natural disaster.

The team chose to focus on marine debris generated from tsunamis, a
natural disaster that Hawaii has experienced in the past. As part of
their initial research, the LunaTechs visited the Pacific Tsunami Center
in Hilo and the Department of Civil Defense. They also participated in
beach cleanups, collecting debris from Waiolena and Waiʻuli Beach Parks.
Through these events, the LunaTechs became particularly interested in
the threats associated with marine debris carrying invasive species.