Again this year, St. Francis would like to offer an opportunity for students to participate in the First Lego League Challenge.  As in previous years the non-competitive First Lego League Junior Challenge will be available for students in 1st – 4th (ages 6-10). Students in grade 5th – 8th (ages 10 – 16) are eligible to participate in the First Lego League Senior Challenge which is a competitive robotics activity.

This is a fun, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) activity that is designed around LEGO building blocks.In addition to STEAM, the program encourages team building, creativity, shared experiences and communicating ideas.

This season’s First Lego League Junior challenge is called BOOMTOWN BUILD.  Team will explore the growing needs and challenges of the people in our community.  Teams will help to imagine and create a building that solves a problem and makes life easier, happier or more connected for the people that use it.

The First Lego League Senior challenge is called CITY SHAPER with teams having to work through a number of challenges with regards to designing, building and navigating a modern city.  In the Robot portion in the challenge, the teams design, build and program a robot to complete a number of challenging tasks.  And for the Innovation Project, the Teams will be required to identify a problem with a building or public space in our community,  Then they will design a solution and share the solution with others.  At the Regional (and possibly State) competitions the Teams will present their projects and compete in the Robot Challenge.

The First LEGO League Junior / Senior season runs from August – February and will offer kids an opportunity to participate in a number of regional activities.Teams will meet weekly and consist of two adult coaches and up to six team members for the Junior teams.  Senior teams can have up to 10 members.Student participation is dependent on having an adequate number of coaches so adult participate is encourages (plus it is fun!).A child is guaranteed a spot on a team if the parent agrees to serve as a coach.No experience necessary!

Please visit the First LEGO League challenge websites for additional details:

https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/flljr

https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/fll

If you have questions please contact me at the e-mail listed below.

Don Ferguson –dferguso@mix.wvu.edu