By Cindy Butler Focke

The 17^th annual STEM Trifecta and the first EXPEDITION: PORT OF CALL Career Immersion Experience welcomed more than 5,000 VBCPS students to the Virginia Beach Convention Center Feb. 24.

More than 200 elementary, middle and high school teams competed in STEM challenges, while all VBCPS seventh graders were invited to join them in exploring career opportunities in STEM and the maritime industry.

The immersive experience — sponsored by the Regional Maritime Training System powered by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council — featured more than 100 businesses offering information and hands-on activities.

Students learned about real-world job opportunities and pathways to careers. School counselors were on hand to answer questions about high school course selections.

Director of Technical and Career Education Dr. Sara Lockett said hosting the two events together created a powerful moment where students could both showcase their skills and envision their futures.

“Providing students with authentic experiences that connect learning to real opportunities is at the heart of our mission,” she said.

Trifecta Cyber Security Challenge:

Elementary and middle school students participated in the Cyber Innovations Challenge. They demonstrated programming skills to solve problems by coding concepts, including algorithms, sequencing, variables and more.

The two-part high school competition required students to submit findings and recommendations based on a case study focused on national security.

Trifecta Maker Expo Challenge:

Elementary students explored the power of wind by designing and building efficient wind turbines.

Middle and High school students designed and created CO2-powered race cars using 3D printing technology or other advanced manufacturing processes.

Trifecta Robotics Challenge:

Elementary, middle and high school teams programed a robot to perform specific tasks through coding, problem-solving and teamwork.

STEM Trifecta winners:

High School Robotics

1^st Place: Tech Center Musketeers – Virginia Beach Technical & Career Education Center

2^nd Place: First Colonial Kraken – First Colonial High School

3^rd Place: Stallions – Green Run High School

Middle School Robotics

1^st Place: Pin Engine – Corporate Landing Middle School

2^nd Place: Androids – Brandon Middle School

3^rd Place: ID-10t – Corporate Landing Middle School

Elementary Robotics

1^st Place: Robo Team Corporate Landing Elementary School

2^nd Place: Autobots – Kings Grant Elementary School

3^rd Place: You Three – Kingston Elementary School

High School Maker Challenge CO2 Race Cars – CAD Designed and 3D Printed

1^st Place: Kevin J. – Ocean Lakes High School

2^nd Place: Andrew T. – Advanced Technology Center

3^rd Place: Jason V. – Salem High School

Middle School Maker Challenge CO2 Race Cars – CAD Designed and 3D Printed

1^st Place:  Mason F. – Salem Middle School

2^nd Place:  Blake H. – Brandon Middle School

3^rd Place:  Alrik G. – Salem Middle School

Elementary School Maker Challenge – Wind Turbine Design and Build

1^st Place:  Elite Wind Mines – Three Oaks Elementary School

2^nd Place:  Electric Dino Nuggies 2D – Three Oaks Elementary School

3^rd Place:  Windy B. – Corporate Landing Elementary School

 

High School Cyber Challenge Winners

1^st Place:  Four Star – Landstown High School

2^nd Place:  Data Defenders – Salem High School

3^rd Place:  Alt + F4 – Kempsville High School

Middle School Cyber Challenge Winners

1^st Place:  The Three Musketeers – Old Donation School

2^nd Place:  Sea Hawks – Virginia Beach Middle School

3^rd Place:  ManiCoders – Larkspur Middle School

Elementary School Cyber Challenge Winners

1^st Place:  PRO-grammers – Three Oaks Elementary School

2^nd Place:  Sphero Heroes – Kings Grant Elementary School

3^rd Place:  Kings Grant Coders – Kings Grant Elementary School