[Mr MOE]

As Carol mentioned, this Water Balloon Launch competition was the culmination of our fall MOE University activity. New MOE students are taught how to use machine tools and the safety and operational workings in our robot build area. In previous years, we had various sub-teams work on small projects. This year, thanks to the suggestion of MOE mentor Kirstin, the Dean of MOE University, the students worked on industrial-strength water balloon launchers.

The competition was held on a wet and cold November 18th at a local DuPont site. The teams launched for accuracy (closeness to a pylon 30-feet away) and distance (longest was 266 ft). We also had awards for creative design and overall combined score.

In addition to the launcher competition, we also used the day as another way to socialize and have the team come together. Our team is comprised of students from many different schools, so students usually do not know each other at the start of our season in the fall. We cooked hot dogs, had warm cider and drinks, and made smores over charcoal pits at the site. It was a nice way to close out the "training" portion of the year and get ready for the big show in January.