Wichita State University's College of Engineering and College of Education will host the 15th annual Shocker Mindstorms Challenge, "Doctor Wu," a robotics competition for 3rd-8th grade students from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Heskett Center gymnasium.

The awards ceremonies for beginner teams will be held at 3 p.m., and for expert and intermediate teams at 5 p.m. in Hubbard Hall, Room 208, on the WSU campus.

The event, which is sponsored by Wichita State, Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation and Airbus, is expected to attract 36 teams and more than 600 student competitors and spectators this year.

Students spend months preparing for the Shocker Mindstorms Challenge, developing their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills, as well as teamwork, sportsmanship and communication. On competition day, teams try to score the most points by running LEGO robots through obstacle courses designed by College of Engineering students.

They are also required to demonstrate what they have learned through presentations, team displays and notebooks. Sportsmanship and spirit are judged throughout the day to promote collaboration and teamwork.

The day’s events will culminate in an awards ceremony to recognize students and coaches and celebrate their success.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information about Shocker Mindstorms Challenge, visit the website at www.wichita.edu/mindstorms.