I.J. Holton Intermediate School’s two robotics teams received awards at the state robotics tournaments over the weekend.

Teams 8440A and 8440B, the I.J. Holton Engineers, from Austin Public Schools, received recognition for their robot design and enthusiasm at the Dream It. Do It. Minnesota State VEX Robotics Tournament on Jan. 23 and 24.

Team 8440B received the middle school division design award. The judges were impressed by their organization, time management, and their engineering notebook, calling the students’ work innovative.

Team 8440A received the Energy Award. The judges noted their team solidarity and infectious enthusiasm, including how they offered high fives and fist bumps to everyone throughout the day.

To prepare for the tournament, the teams designed and built robots using the VEX Robotics Design System to compete in the game Skyrise, using their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

“It’s great to see teams demonstrating STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] skills and competing at such a high level,” Aaron Barker, tournament coordinator and instructor at St. Cloud Technical and Community College, said in a press release. “Even better, students are learning and practicing the same skills that are used in the real world, like today’s manufacturing careers.”

A team from Windom, Minnesota, received several awards. They received a robotics kit from Riverland Community College, where any local team is invited to attend practices as part of the college’s work with 360°, a manufacturing-based center of excellence.

The Dream It. Do It. Minnesota State VEX Robotics Tournament was one of four tournaments hosted by 360° and Dream It. Do It. Minnesota, which have led VEX Robotics in Minnesota, helping youth connect their interest in robotics to opportunities in modern manufacturing.

Photos from the day are posted on the Dream It. Do It. Minnesota Facebook page. To learn more, visit www.dreamitdoitmn.com.