Lego Robotic competitors converge at NAIT this weekned

Published on January 13, 2016

35 teams from across Northern Alberta expected to attend; winner qualifies for international championship

Thirty-five teams of elementary and middle school students from across Northern Alberta will go head-to-head in the FIRST Lego League Edmonton Championship, hosted by the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). This year’s theme is “Trash Trek.” Participants will think about ways to make less trash or improve the way trash is disposed of. From collection, to sorting, to smart production and reuse, there is more to trash than meets the eye.

Teams use sensors, motors, gears and software to build and program their robots in advance of the championship. Participants, who are between the ages of 10 and 14, will demonstrate what their Lego-engineered robots can do. The team that wins the Edmonton event qualifies to compete at the FIRST Lego League (FLL) North American Open Championship at the LEGOLAND California Resort, May 20-22.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a not-for-profit group that inspires young people to be science and technology leaders. The FLL is a robotics program that teaches kids valuable employment and life skills.

In attendance this year (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) will be members ofThe 501st Legion – an international organization celebrating Star Wars through the creation, display and wearing of quality costumes that represent the villainous characters from the film franchise.

WHERE: 
NAIT Main Campus
11762 106 St. NW
Edmonton, AB

WHEN:
Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016

8:30 a.m. - Opening ceremonies (Gym)
9:15 to 11:30 a.m. - Technical, core value and project judging (X, J, A, H & E Wings) 
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Table top competition (Gym)
2:45 p.m. - Awards presentation (Gym)

Full-day activities
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Pit (Common Market)
9 a.m to 2 p.m. – Exhibits (South Lobby)

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