January 21, 2011
Lego lovers compete at NAIT
WHAT: Hundreds of children, ages 10 to 14, will go head to head in a high level competition as they demonstrate what their hi-tech Lego-engineered robots can do. Teams used sensors, motors, gears and software to build and program their inventions.
This year’s theme is “Body Forward”. Teams will explore the cutting-edge world of Biomedical Engineering to discover innovative ways to repair injuries, overcome genetic predispositions, and maximize the body's potential, with the intended purpose of leading happier and healthier lives.
Forty-four teams from across Alberta, Saskatchewan and N.W.T., are taking part in the provincial FIRST Lego League Championship. There will also be three Junior Lego League teams, comprised of students in grades 1 to 3, who will have their Lego inventions on display in the South Lobby.
Other robots will be on display on campus that day as well, including a NAIT designed tactical surveillance robot with a zipper mast which has an on-board camera that can be raised almost 10-feet. The camera acts as the eyes and ears of police in dangerous situations.
WHERE/WHEN: Saturday, January 22, 2011
NAIT Main Campus
8:30 am – Noon – H & E Wings - Technical judging and project judging
8:30 am – 4 pm – Common Market – Pit Area – Teams make last minute modifications to their designs
8:30 am – Noon – South Lobby – Junior Lego League competitors will have their inventions on display. Other robots will be on display here too
12:00 pm – 4 pm – Gym - Lego table top competition
4 pm – Gym – Winner announced
WHY: This is a high energy event with a lot of visuals. There is effect lighting and music in the gym during the table top competitions which creates a fun atmosphere. There are even referees on site wearing real referee shirts, which adds to the sports-like feel of the competition.
After looking at each team’s research, design, creativity, teamwork and sportsmanship, the judges will choose a winner.
The first Lego League program was kicked off in 2004 and 20 countries from around the world took part and held their own competitions – with more than 48,000 children taking part in the worldwide initiative.
For more information, please contact:
Mark Archibald
Media Relations for the Alberta FLL tournament
Chair of the Electronics Engineering Technology Program at NAIT
P 780.471.7640 C 780.991.0538 E marka@nait.ca