SOEST hosts robotics competition, hands-on activities at Onizuka Day of Exploration
Student competitors at the Onizuka Day VEX IQ Invitational Scrimmage 2025. Credit: Hawai‘i Space Grant Consortium.An estimated 8,000 people attended the 9th annual Onizuka Day of Exploration—one of the largest STEM celebrations in the state—on April 5 at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu. SOEST researchers and staff participated in various roles to share their knowledge and support for Hawai‘i’s next generation of STEM explorers, innovators, and leaders. SOEST researchers and staff participated in various roles to share their knowledge and support for Hawai‘i’s next generation of STEM explorers, innovators, and leaders.
VEX IQ Invitational Scrimmage Robotics Competition
The Hawai’i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology‘s Hawai‘i Space Grant Consortium hosted the annual Onizuka Day VEX IQ Invitational Scrimmage event for 20 elementary to middle school robotics teams. Participating schools included Makakilo Elementary, Mānoa Elementary, Hokulani Elementary, Nānāikapono Elementary, ʻAiea Intermediate, Stevenson Middle, Mākaha Elementary, Gus Webling Elementary, August Ahrens Elementary, Kaimiloa Elementary, and Kaʻahumanu Elementary. Competition results and team rankings from the event can be found here.
Teams were also celebrated for their achievements with fun, space-themed trophies! For example, the Moon Award went to the team that “shook the tides” and were influential figures to other teams. The Jupiter Award, named after the largest planet in the solar system, was given to the team that showcased “Main Character energy” and great leadership skills. The Earth Award went to the team that was “built different,” and showed great resilience in the competition.
“The excitement was contagious as teams took this final chance to showcase their robots, and for a few schools, to test their robots before heading to the World Championships,” said Adria Fung, Robotics Education Specialist at HIGP and Event Partner of the VEX IQ Invitational Scrimmage. “The day also gave them a fun glimpse into other STEM fields and the chance to connect with local companies and organizations.”
HSGC staff in attendance included Mary Guzman and Branson Dang. Team trophies were designed, created, and assembled by Jojo Eng, Mary Guzman, Albany Coate, and Branson Dang. Volunteer judges, referees, and tournament operators included former robotics students, teachers, and the Kalani High School Team Magma Robotics students.
Exhibits, hands-on activities, and more
The free, family-friendly STEM event honored Hawaiʻi-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka and featured over 100 hands-on activities, workshops, and exhibits. Thousands of attendees enjoyed interactive experiences in robotics, coding, sustainability, Hawaiian culture, and career development. The day began with a Parade of Flags and an Opening Ceremony, followed by various age-appropriate activities, including creative crafts for elementary students, coding drones for middle schoolers, and career exploration panels for high school students. The event aimed to inspire learners of all ages to explore new horizons in science and technology.
operations at Onizuka Day.
Additional groups from SOEST participated as exhibitors including researchers and students from the Department of Oceanography, Hawai‘i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute, Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, and Waikiki Aquarium. These presenters shared informational displays, demonstrations, and hands-on activities with students, families, and community members.