First LEGO Robotics League is about more than just playing with this favorite childhood toy; it also provides building blocks for student learning and success. When students participate in the league, they are enhancing their skills in technology, engineering, teamwork, and perseverance.
North Windy Ridge Intermediate (NWRI) has been competing in the First LEGO Robotics League for five years. STEM teacher Russell Thompson said they are known as one of the rookie teams when they compete.
“Many teams we compete against have several years of experience, but we only have two months to prepare for the fall qualifier,” he said. “We have a very limited amount of time together before we go in front of the judges, and even though they are young, they have proven how capable they are of making a huge impact!”
The league encourages participants to reach out to industry professionals for guidance during the design process. This year, NWRI is working with experts from ThermoFisher.
“ThermoFisher is full of engineers that are on the cutting edge of technology,” said Mr. Thompson. “This has been a wonderful opportunity to connect students to a local business that is focused on technology and engineering in our own backyard.”
Matej Visek, a Refrigeration Engineer from ThermoFisher said that LEGOs were one of his favorite toys as a child, and he is thrilled to impart some of his knowledge with the robotics teams at NWRI.
“I hope to motivate the younger generation to dig deeper into the capabilities and features of the LEGO system, as that’s one of the skills they will need in the future to be successful in technical roles,” he explained. “LEGO league is certainly a great program to develop project-oriented mentality in students.”
As for Mr. Thompson, he said this program has awakened his own childhood curiosity!
“Nothing matches the excitement of watching teams compete and succeed at such a high level, especially with as little experience as they have going in,” he said. “Every time they jump in the air and do a fist pump after a good robot run, or a great interview with judges, my heart lights up and reminds me that all the work that goes into these events is totally worth it.”
NWRI team The Hawkbotz will compete in the state competition this month.
