FIRST Lego League (FLL) is an exciting and fun global robotics program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, and technology in kids ages 9 to 14 (grades 4 to 8). The Future Focus Foundation financially supports local teams and an annual regional competition (the largest in the state) in partnership with Central VA Community College each November.
FIRST programs have been a successful part of our region’s S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and math) program for over five years.
From the FIRST website:
“FIRST LEGO League introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society.
Elementary and middle-school students get to:
- Design, build, test and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology.
- Apply real-world math and science concepts.
- Research challenges facing today’s scientists.
- Learn critical thinking, team-building and presentation skills.
- Participate in tournaments and celebrations.
What FLL teams accomplish is nothing short of amazing. It’s fun. It’s exciting. And the skills they learn will last a lifetime.”
From the FIRST LEGO League website:
“The best way to summarize FIRST LEGO League is to say that it is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year-olds, which is designed to get children excited about science and technology — and teach them valuable employment and life skills. FLL can be used in a classroom setting but is not solely designed for this purpose. Teams, composed of up to ten children with at least one adult coach, can also be associated with a pre-existing club or organization, homeschooled, or just be a group of friends who wish to do something awesome.”
To learn more about this year’s challenge go to: www.FirstLegoLeague.org
To learn more about the Lynchburg Regional FIRST LEGO competition and associated events keep an eye on our website for announcements or contact Elizabeth Narehood, Future Focus Foundation Managing Director: (434) 847-1447 ext. 317 or email enarehood [at] techcouncil [dot] us
