Woodland Middle School’s gym buzzed with excitement on Tuesday, October 22, as students took part in a thrilling rover competition sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SC DEW). This innovative event challenged students to design and build self-powered rovers, testing their creativity and engineering skills.
The competition was part of a statewide initiative led by SC DEW in collaboration with ARISS (Amateur Radio and the International Space Station). In July, teachers, including Pamela Rhode of Woodland Middle School, received training through this partnership, allowing them to guide their students through the project.
Each team was provided two motorized wheels, while the rest of the materials—such as cardboard, pool noodles, and various miscellaneous items—were available from a bin supplied by Mr. Fred Wilson, the ARISS representative. From there, the students were encouraged to get creative and use their problem-solving skills to build a functioning rover. The rovers needed to travel a distance of 25 feet across the gym floor in a straight line to meet the competition’s criteria.
Over the course of several weeks, the students worked diligently on their designs, refining their creations to meet the competition's rubric. Teams were evaluated based on speed, design and innovation, problem-solving, functionality, build quality, use of materials, teamwork, and presentation.
An important aspect of the project was leadership. Each team selected a "Chief Officer," responsible for ensuring all members participated, gathering necessary supplies, and maintaining the workspace. The Chief Officer wore a special badge during every build session and led decision-making for the group.
On the day of the competition, teams gathered to put their rovers to the test. The competition was split into multiple heats, with rovers racing head-to-head. After an intense series of trials, a select few teams advanced to the finals. In the end, the team “Overtake the Billionaires” emerged victorious, winning not only the overall competition but also the award for the best logo design.
Their journey doesn’t end here—"Overtake the Billionaires" will now represent Woodland Middle School at the state-level competition, scheduled for November 20 at The Citadel. The state competition will present new challenges, as teams will have to navigate obstacles and rough terrain, requiring even more creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Mr. Fred Wilson, who worked closely with the students during the build process, expressed his excitement for their achievements. "The students showed remarkable ingenuity, and it’s been inspiring to see them work together," Wilson said. "I’m looking forward to seeing how they tackle the next phase at The Citadel."
Woodland Middle School is one of four schools competing in this program, along with Hillcrest Middle School from Sumter, SC, Ron C. McNair Middle School from Charleston, and Lake Marion Middle School from Orangeburg. The program emphasizes technical skills, collaboration, and problem-solving, qualities essential for the more complex rover project ahead.
Teacher Pamela Rhode couldn’t be prouder of her students. "They’ve put in so much effort and demonstrated amazing teamwork and creativity," she said. "I’m excited to see what they’ll accomplish at the state competition."
With the Woodland Middle School community eagerly supporting them, "Overtake the Billionaires" is preparing for the next challenge. Regardless of the outcome, the students have already proven themselves as outstanding problem-solvers and innovators.