Media Advisory: Morris School Robotics Team to compete in Red River Valley Vex Robotics Tournament
What: Red River Valley Regional VEX Robotics Tournament
Who: Morris School Robotics Team and 60 teams from the U.S. and Canada
When: Jan. 24, 2025
Where: Central Middle School, 1827 Bygland Rd, East Grand Forks, Minn.
The Morris School Robotics Team from Manitoba is set to compete in the Red River Valley Regional VEX Robotics Tournament on Jan. 24, 2025, in East Grand Forks, Minn. The event, which is open to the public, will feature 60 teams from the U.S. and Canada, showcasing innovative designs and teamwork in one of the region’s premier STEM competitions.
Competing as Team 88875M, Morris Robotics has already achieved significant success this season, earning the Judge’s Award in the Nov. 29. 2024 Fisher, Minn. VEX Robotics Competition and the Design Award at the Grand Forks Frosty Gears Tournament on Dec. 14, 2024.
UND’s support for STEM crosses borders
The University of North Dakota (UND) College of Engineering & Mines plays a critical role in facilitating robotics competitions across the region. Its “Tournament in a Trailer” initiative provides equipment and support for VEX events, encouraging STEM engagement and recruitment into engineering fields for students across the region. This effort is part of the College’s broader strategy to recruit students into STEM fields, as participants in competitive robotics are significantly more likely to pursue and excel in engineering careers.
“We are excited to support students from Morris and beyond as they develop their skills in STEM and explore engineering pathways,” said Andrew Dahlen, Mechanical Engineering lecturer at UND.
Since 2023, UND has hosted regional VEX robotics competitions for students of all grade levels in North Dakota and Minnesota. Morris School’s participation in the competition reflects the boundary breaking commitment the College of Engineering & Mines has for encouraging passion in STEM for all students, no matter their location.
A vision for STEM in Manitoba
Under the guidance of teacher J.P. Jamieson, the Morris Robotics program began in 2023 and has grown from building mini-sumo robots to designing and competing in tournaments with autonomous machines. They began competing late last year and have only picked up steam since their first foray into robotics.
“The first tournament was an eye-opener,” said Jamieson. “The students learned to adapt on the fly, fixing their robots after the knocks it took in the ring, and collaborating with alliance partners.”
In addition to the STEM skills they learn while designing, building and coding robots for competition, students also pick up various soft skills that translate to other areas of their education.
“The best part of these tournaments is when things go wrong,” Jamieson added. “The amount of learning and brainstorming that happens as they come up with solutions is just amazing to see.”
Morris School student Cody Dueck agreed, adding that problem solving has been key to their success.
“Problem-solving is a big one,” Dueck said. “This definitely helps me with stuff like that.”
As Morris continues to grow its robotics program, the school aims to inspire other Manitoba schools to follow suit. Through partnerships with organizations like the Manitoba Association of Education Technology Leaders’ STEAM Library, more students will have the opportunity to explore the exciting world of robotics.
All are welcome to join Morris Robotics as they represent Manitoba on the regional stage, competing alongside teams from across North Dakota, Minnesota and Canada.
About the College of Engineering & Mines
Fueled by immersive learning, hands-on experiences, and award-winning programs, the UND College of Engineering & Mines located in Grand Forks, North Dakota ignites students’ careers in engineering and science. With 70+ degree and certificate programs in engineering, computer science, and geology, students at the College of Engineering & Mines are equipped with personalized curriculums based on their unique goals and interests.
Media Contact: Andrew Dahlen, Mechanical Engineering lecturer and outreach and recruiting coordinator at the College of Engineering & Mines.
Email: Andrew.dahlen.1@und.edu
Office: 701.777.5109
Cell: 218.791.4010
