Calling all Lego Robotics kids! Check out First Lego League, which incorporates robotics with real-world research.
In this league, teams of six to 10 kids build robots out of Lego Mindstorms kits and use them to complete missions on a table with a mat. At a regional competition, teams get 2 1/2 minutes to complete the missions and earn points. They also get points for a research project. Then, the top eight teams move on to the state competition; the top two or three teams at state get invited to the national competition. Finally, the top team moves on to the world competition.
You must sign up for this program. There are many schools that participate, and you can sign up in an after-school program. Teams must consist of students in one grade - fourth through eighth grades. There can be multiple teams involved at each school.
Sunrise Elementary is one participating school. Last year all the Sunrise teams went to the state competition, and one team was invited to nationals!
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The FLL Web site explains more at www.usfirst.org. You can find other robotics programs on the site, too. The 2009-10 season is closed, but you can watch the regionals on Dec. 5 and the state competition Dec. 12. Check the Web site for locations.
