Students from Horsforth School will battle it out to be crowned champions of the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) FIRST LEGO® League England and Wales Final on Saturday 22nd February at UWE Bristol Exhibition and Conference Centre.
The science and technology challenge, which is aimed at 9-16 year olds, tasks teams to build a robot to tackle a series of missions, and create an innovative solution to a real world problem. This year’s CITY SHAPER Challenge, sees students learn all about architecture and the spaces we live in.
The event will be the largest ever IET FIRST LEGO® League National Final with over 500 young people attending who will all be keen to demonstrate their skills in robotics, computer programming, teamwork, research, problem solving and communication.
Lowri Walton, FIRST LEGO® League IET Education Manager, said: “FIRST LEGO® League allows young people to experience engineering in action. As well as bringing excitement to STEM subjects, the students get hands-on experience with robotics, and designing innovative solutions to real world problems. Developing computer programming, teamwork, problem-solving and communications skills has never been so much fun and gives students an insight into the creative and innovative careers that engineering presents.”
The all girl Horsforth School team (JACES) have worked extremely hard in preparation for the final. The real world problem which they have concentrated on is Homelessness. In their own words:
“Our project focuses on a problem that is hardly discussed: homelessness. Together, we have decided that prefabricated homes would solve homelessness, creating both job opportunities and a home for disadvantaged people in our local area. We have completed months of volunteering and research, leading us to this inexpensive and environmentally friendly solution.”
The IET is proud to be the operational partner for IET FIRST LEGO® League in the UK and Ireland. Supporting the competition is part of the IET’s commitment to show young people the benefits of careers within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
For more information about this year’s FIRST LEGO® League competition, please visit http://firstlegoleague.theiet.org/index.cfm.
And a big good luck from us for Saturday!