Yukon’s Young Robotics Enthusiasts Gear Up for FIRST Lego League Qualifier
Whitehorse, Yukon – January 19, 2024: The excitement is electrifying as Yukon’s young robotics enthusiasts prepare for the annual FIRST Lego League (FLL) qualifier, a pivotal event in their exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This highly anticipated gathering, scheduled for January 20th at CSSC Mercier in Whitehorse, promises an immersive experience for participants and spectators alike.
Igniting a Passion for STEM through Playful Learning
The FIRST Lego League, a global initiative, aims to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers by engaging them in captivating hands-on activities. Through the creative use of Lego parts and simple robots, participants embark on a journey of discovery, gaining valuable insights into engineering principles, design thinking, coding, and critical thinking.
Robotics North Society: Nurturing Young Minds in the Yukon
In the Yukon, the FIRST Lego League is expertly managed by Robotics North Society, a dedicated organization committed to fostering a passion for STEM among Yukon’s youth. Under the leadership of President Leanne Watson, the society has diligently organized the upcoming qualifier event, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for all participants.
A Showcase of Brilliance: Unveiling the Skills and Creativity of Young Minds
The qualifier event promises a spectacle of innovation and creativity. From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, spectators will witness the awe-inspiring showcase of larger and more intricate robots designed by high school students, displayed in the school’s back atrium. This exhibition serves as a testament to the remarkable capabilities of these young minds, showcasing their engineering prowess and artistic flair.
The FIRST Lego League Games: A Crucible of Competition and Collaboration
At 1:00 PM, the FIRST Lego League games for participants aged 9 to 15 will commence, igniting a spirit of friendly competition and collaboration. Seven Lego League challenge teams, meticulously preparing since August, will put their robots to the test in a series of challenging tasks. These teams, hailing from various corners of the Yukon, including Faro, have dedicated countless hours to refining their robots’ design and performance.
Innovation Projects: Harnessing Robotics to Tackle Real-World Challenges
Beyond the competitive aspect, the FIRST Lego League also emphasizes the importance of innovation and problem-solving. Each team has embarked on an innovation project, seeking to harness the power of simple robotics to address a real-world problem within this year’s theme, “the arts in science.” These projects showcase the students’ ability to apply their knowledge and creativity to make a positive impact on their communities.
Judging Criteria: Teamwork, Resilience, and Grace Under Pressure
In addition to their competitive performance, the teams will be evaluated on their ability to work together effectively, overcome challenges with grace and resilience, and demonstrate the FIRST Lego League’s core values of discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, and teamwork. These values are integral to fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment, where participants can thrive and grow.
Yukon’s Stellar Track Record in National and International Competitions
Yukon students have consistently excelled in national and international Lego League competitions, earning accolades for their exceptional skills and dedication. In 2022, the Yukon All Sparks team achieved remarkable success, securing a place at the Canada Cup and earning medals at the B.C. provincials. More recently, in 2023, a Yukon team left an indelible mark at the “California Western Edge” Lego League event, competing against teams from numerous countries.
Robotics North Society’s Commitment to STEM Education
Robotics North Society’s unwavering commitment to STEM education extends beyond the FIRST Lego League. The organization also actively supports the Lego League “explore” category, a non-competitive program designed for students in Grades 2 to 4. This program provides a nurturing environment for younger students to explore their curiosity and develop a foundation in STEM subjects.
An Invitation to Spectators: Witness the Magic of STEM in Action
The qualifier event on January 20th presents a unique opportunity for spectators to witness the magic of STEM in action. The event is open to the public, offering a captivating glimpse into the boundless potential of young minds. Spectators will be enthralled by the ingenuity of the robots, the creativity of the innovation projects, and the unwavering determination of the participants.
Media Contact:
Jim Elliot
Yukon News
[email protected]
Additional Information:
The qualifier event will be held on January 20th, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at CSSC Mercier in Whitehorse, Yukon.
For more information on the FIRST Lego League and Robotics North Society, please visit their websites:
- FIRST Lego League: https://www.firstlegoleague.org/
- Robotics North Society: https://www.roboticsnorth.ca/