The event is the first for the newly established Southwest Georgia regional FIRST LEGO League Challenge. Georgia Tech is the affiliate partner for FIRST LEGO League Challenge with the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC) facilitating the program for the state of Georgia. FIRST LEGO League introduces STEM learning to children ages 4-16 through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided global robotics program using LEGO technology, helping today’s students, families, and educators build a better future together.
Participating workshop teachers focused on building student STEM skills in preparation for participating in the FIRST LEGO League Challenge competition. The workshop focused on teaching students coding and other current STEM skills needed to participate in the competition as well as launch students into high-tech careers in their communities.
“With so many manufacturers and high-tech opportunities opening in Southwest Georgia, it’s important to have students engaging now in building the skills they will need to get those good, high-paying industry jobs in the near future,” said Danyelle Larkin, director of K-12 InVenture Prize. “We see this program as an anchor for the region, establishing a STEM school-to-manufacturing pathway that will strengthen the communities in this part of the state. So, yes, this is a robotics competition, but it is really more than that. It’s something that has the potential to uplift entire communities. And that is pretty cool.”
The inaugural FIRST LEGO League Challenge will be held on December 14 at Southern Regional Technical College in Thomasville.
—Randy Trammell, CEISMC Communications
]]>Georgia Tech’s Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC) is looking for Georgia Tech faculty, staff, and student volunteers to help with FIRST LEGO League’s (FLL) state championship, which will be held on February 11, 2023 on campus. FLL introduces youth ages 9 to 14 to the fun and excitement of science and technology while building their self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills. Although the program involves LEGO robotics, FLL goes a step further, with teams examining real-life problems and developing innovative solutions. During this year’s tournament, student teams will be tackling the issue of sustainable energy.
Since 2003, Georgia Tech has been an Affiliate Partner for FIRST LEGO League. CEISMC, as a Program Delivery Partner, facilitates the initiative for the Georgia region and hosts the state championship. “FIRST LEGO League Challenge is a way to encourage students at an early age to explore various aspects of technology, identify and research actual technical problems and develop solutions. It also exposes them to the possibility of Georgia Tech as being part of their future.” said Bob Kraushaar, educational outreach manager at CEISMC.
Some of the volunteer positions needed are judges, judge assistants, referees, scorekeepers, and floaters. For more information about volunteering at FIRST LEGO League’s Georgia State Championship, please contact Kraushaar at rkraushaar6@gatech.edu or access the volunteer site at https://www.firstinspires.org/ways-to-help/volunteer.
--James-Addis Hill, CEISMC Communications