The largest FIRST LEGO League (FLL) event in the country was held on May 11 at Osbourn Park High School in Manassas.
According to a press release by Prince William County, about 1,200 elementary schoolers and their coaches participated on nearly 120 teams.
FLL incorporates science, technology, engineering, and math concepts (STEM) for students to solve challenges, according to the First Lego League website.
There are two classroom challenges. The first is “Robot Design.” In this challenge, students try to persuade judges what makes their robot the best. The second challenge is “Core Values.” Students are given a teamwork activity, and judges analyze how well team members work together.
The last challenge students compete in is “Into Orbit.” This is based on an autonomous program that responds to how students programmed their robot’s movements. The objective is to complete as many missions on the field within 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
This year at the ninth FLL event, Metal Jackets team 2068 raised money for Kendrick Castillo’s Memorial Fund and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team 4418. $2,150 was rasied from donations and concessions at the event.
Castillo was a member of the FRC team prior to his death.
Upcoming FLL events are November 9 at Osbourn Park High School and November 16 at Woodbridge High School.
This article was written by Contributing Writer Amber Dunn.
