News Summary
Coronado Robotics is launching two new elementary teams at Silver Strand and Village Elementary Schools to boost community engagement in robotics. Under the leadership of Roberta Lenert, the program aims to provide diverse opportunities for student participation through competitive teams and outreach events. Collaborations with local organizations, including the Coronado Fire Department, are helping to inspire students while promoting STEM education. The focus will include themes such as historical and archaeological projects, fostering inclusivity and mentorship in the robotics community.
Coronado, CA – Coronado Robotics is set to broaden its reach in the community by launching two new elementary teams in 2025 at Silver Strand Elementary School and Village Elementary School. This expansion is part of a larger initiative to enhance student engagement across the school district.
Leading the Coronado Robotics program for the past eight years, Roberta Lenert has now taken on the role of Director of all Coronado Robotics. Her primary objective is to encourage participation from a diverse group of students and ensure that anyone interested in robotics has the opportunity to get involved, whether through competitive teams or community-based events like STEAM days.
The initiative aims to engage students beyond typical competition, focusing on outreach events and partnerships. Recently, a collaboration was established with the Coronado Fire Department to organize a successful Future Innovators STEM Fair, further solidifying community connections. Additionally, in 2023, Coronado Robotics expanded into the high school arena with a new FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team and plans to support the high school’s FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) club this year.
For the upcoming year 2025, the robotics teams will focus on projects inspired by historical and archaeological themes. Seven FIRST Lego League (FLL) teams from Coronado are preparing for the “Unearthed” challenge, while the two FTC teams at Coronado High School will tackle the “Decode” challenge. New coaching staff has been appointed, including J.D. Laaperi for the Silver Strand team and Courtney Sakai for the Village team, with Lenert co-coaching these teams alongside NASA Engineer Pete Waydo.
Previous themes, like last year’s marine exploration focus, encouraged students to develop robots addressing various environmental issues. Engagement in community outreach activities, tracking design processes, and managing budgets and fundraising are integral parts of the program’s structure. High school juniors and seniors can also earn internship credit by coaching younger teams, promoting continuity and collaboration within the program.
Another critical aspect of the program is its commitment to inclusivity, allowing all interested students to participate, regardless of their prior experience with robotics. This open-door policy has created a supportive environment, fostering personal growth and development among participants. Students have expressed how mentorship within the program has significantly impacted their experiences, allowing them to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
As the robotics teams continue to thrive, local support plays a crucial role in their success. The community, including local sponsors and the Coronado Schools Foundation, has been essential in providing resources needed to facilitate these programs. Recent competitions have seen the Coronado Middle School Robotics teams qualify for regional competitions, showcasing their capabilities.
Future ambitions for the robotics program include striving for participation in the World competition for FLL. With Roberta Lenert’s recognized leadership guiding the program, there are high hopes for inspiring students to pursue careers in science and engineering. The Coronado Robotics program is not only about building robots but also fostering a strong community of engaged learners prepared to take on the challenges of tomorrow.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado News: Robotics Expansion
- Wikipedia: Robotics
- Coronado Times: Coach of the Year Award
- Google Search: Coronado Robotics
- Mining Technology: Coal Expansion
- Google Scholar: Robotics Education
- Coronado Times: Robotics Tournament Win
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Robotics
- Disney Tourist Blog: Coronado Springs Resort
- Google News: Coronado Robotics
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
