RDL Jr. 2023 - 2024 Three Ring Circus

The “Three Ring Circus” challenge includes an exciting Robot Drone League Jr. game, centered around real-world aspects of machine control and gaming strategy. Team work, communication, and practice are key to scoring maximum points. At the designated drive station, teams consisting of 2 – 4 students are assigned the mission of retrieving game pucks from the opponent’s side of the RDL challenge field. While retrieving the pucks, teams are challenged to demonstrate control and function of both the robot and the drone by performing maneuvers over uneven terrain, line following, stopping / starting on designated zones, activating beacons, and performing aerial stunts. The RDL Jr. “Three Ring Circus” Challenge provides an opportunity for students, with the unassisted guidance of mentors, to build and program a robot and drone to execute accurate movements and accomplish assigned field challenges. Students collaborate in a teamwork format to strategically collect scoring elements and solve math and science questions for competitive points. RDL Jr. emphasizes the importance of programming through drone technology. In this year’s challenge, teams are encouraged to utilize the drones image sensor to solve STEM questions when displayed on the field monitors. RDL Jr. implements Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) through the completion of grade-appropriate science and math questions.