Day 19: Today was a snow day! Due to the snow, all of today’s exams have been postponed to next Thursday, Feb.2nd. Enjoy the extra studying time! However, it takes much more than snow to keep a K-bot down.
Even though there was snow, many K-bots showed up bright and early. As they say, “The early bird catches the worm.” During exam weeks, room 107 is open starting at 8:30 a.m, so drop by whenever you can!
Throughout the day there have been driver training sessions in the hall outside of room 107. The trainees had to maneuver around pylons that were setup on the track. 
While the robot was having communication issues, we ran through the course instead! Also, our mechanism for crossing the bridge has been confirmed to function.
But the robot has sustained some damage, as has the bridge!
Much progress had been made in knitting today as well. While some of us are knitting …
Others are sorting out the knitting cabinet …
so neat!
And others are winding the wool into more manageable balls….
…with greater or lesser success…
The wool will be used for team hats and for Kare-bots
kare-bot in progress
We have a team member who is planning on taking some Kare-bots to India to distribute this winter!
Kare-bots for India
As usual, the never ending CAD party is still occurring. We have printed out two-dimensional drawings of the robot and the three-dimensional sketch of the robot is nearing completion.
We love it when people bring us snacks. Parents sometimes bring us left overs from work. Today we got some interesting treats from Stacey.
We had many visitors in 107 this evening. We were very glad to have the custodians dropping in for a visit, and a quick eye-glass repair. We have the best tools around!
We were also very happy to have some friends of friends come to check out what we are doing.
We received a call from the Cyberfalcons, team 3710, asking some software questions. Our lead programming mentor was unavailable, so our student lead took his turn being tech support.
For dinner, we had a delectable meal of perogies and ham. It is so great how our parents volunteer their time and money to make sure our team gets to eat good food.
After dinner, some K-bots checked a motor to see if it had any malfunctions.
BEEP! (that's for you Kevin H.)
If you are having any difficulties getting along with each other, remember, “Cooperation rather than competition” – Eric, Grade 9
Tomorrow, we meet from 10-6 and lunch will be served. Get lots of sleep this week, and GOOD LUCK ON THE EXAMS!
…more than the 
The test chassis got used again by our programmers to test some code.
4. Tweedles can knit!
Our new task today was to take the 3D CAD and produce 2D drawings which will be used when we need to manufacture some of our parts. We ran into a 
We decided to suspend a weight from a meter above our robot to mimic anything we might build up there, and then give it a try. We installed plywood chain guards to keep us all safe.
Some of us spent a great deal of time doing calculations, doing research and gathering our materials.
We discussed the plans for the 
Our group split up for rotations of CAD tutorial work–some of us are getting really good at the practical applications of CAD.
We held a brainstorming rotation for Chairman’s report ideas, and activities we should engage in over the year to help our community and build up our team. We also walked everyone through the 
The remaining station was a super top secret design challenge. Groups had 30 minutes and a variety of materials (wheels, newspaper, straws, plastecine, skewers, cardboard, wood, screws, saws, measuring devices, and lots of tape) to construct a vehicle that was powered by a balloon that could travel the farthest down the school hallway.
Many thanks to Jeff, from 
It’s especially fun when little ones join us. The innertubes are EVERYONE’s favourite toy!
Our mentors are working hard to keep everyone motivated, productive, and friendly. They help us solve our problems…
…we also had a barbeque! We had no idea what was in store for us until we opened the door and saw a remarkable sight. There were two BBQs set up, and also a kitchen stove (converted to run on propane). Many thanks to the Calligaris family for the feast!
Our robot is doing well, and has scored lots of tubes, even in autonomous mode!
We’re looking forward to seeing Frontenac’s team, the 
…but we’re all keeping busy with lots of little jobs. We’ve been busy finishing up our circuit boards…
…we make use of all little helpers we can find!
Our Queen’s mentors are on their reading week now, and we are glad that they are staying in town to help us out!
We’ve taken a second look at some things….including our minibot design. We’re calling it “Minibot Revisited”.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the warehouse soon! We work from 10AM-10PM today, Sunday and Monday too.
