Wichita State University's College of Engineering and College of Education will host the 13th annual Shocker MINDSTORMS Challenge, a robotics competition for fourth- through eighth-grade students, or ages 9-14, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 9, in the Heskett Center gymnasium.

This year's theme is "The WuShock, an Unexpected Journey." Students and coaches will be recognized and celebrated in award ceremonies in 208 Hubbard Hall. Beginners awards will be given from 3-4 p.m. Expert and intermediate teams will have their awards ceremony from 5-6 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

Preparation for and participation in the MINDSTORMS Challenge enhances students' science, technology, engineering and math skills, and promotes teamwork, sportsmanship and communication skills. More than 35 teams are expected to participate in this year's event that is funded and supported by Spirit AeroSystems and Wichita State.

On Challenge day, teams of students will compete to score the highest number of points on robotics courses designed by College of Engineering students, and will also be required to demonstrate what they have learned through presentations, team displays and notebooks. Sportsmanship and spirit will be judged throughout the day to promote collaboration and teamwork.

For more information about Shocker MINDSTORMS Challenge, go to www.wichita.edu/mindstorms.