You’ve heard the expression, “It’s so hot you could cook an egg on the sidewalk!”
It has been near or above 100 degrees the last few weeks where we live; almost too hot to even enjoy pool water.
Ahhh, but it’s the perfect time to make a solar oven!
Well, the genesis of our solar oven project hasn’t been the (too!) hot weather. We are getting ready for the upcoming kick-off of the 2007 FIRST Lego season on September 5th.
Each season has a theme and this year students from around the world will be learning all they can about alternative, renewable energy sources.
About JFLL
There are two age levels to FIRST Lego League. The Jr. FIRST Lego League (JFLL) is for 6-10 year olds. FIRST Lego League (FLL) is for 9-14 year olds. JFLL is a bit more low key, but just as educational and fun.
JFLL teams are easy to form – all you need are 2 – 6 children, ages 6-10, a willing parent and some fun activities! The JFLL “team” meets throughout the season to learn about the topic.
For example, the team our family has formed with 3 other homeschool families and will meet 2-3 times a month for about an hour. The children will complete projects such as the solar oven, a Lego windmill and maybe even a water wheel. It’s almost like what we in the homeschool community call a co-op! If you aren't sure what to do for science with your younger children, this is a great curriculum.
The culminating activity is a display at our state’s FIRST Lego League Tournament (some states hold other JFLL events). This exhibit is a poster made by the children showing what they learned and a display made from LEGOS. (Note: you are not required to exhibit at any JFLL events.)
The JFLL teams are “interviewed” at the tournament – mostly to provide the children with positive feedback and encouragement to keep on pursuing science and learning. It is exciting for the children to be at the event, showing the attendees what they’ve learned.
It is an amazing sight to see so many children and parents gathered at one time to reward learning and creativity. I encourage you to look into the JFLLprogram for your family, church group, homeschool group or Scout group.
Below are links for additional information about JFLL and FLL. Plus, I’ve listed some of the sites I’ve found related to alternative, renewable energy. There is so much information and a wide variety of activities…our biggest obstacle? Trying to decide which activities and how to fit them all in!
FIRST Links
The FIRST main website.
The JFLL information page. (Check out the slide show in the box to the right.)
Another JFLL information site – here you can see last year’s JFLL challenge. AFter September 5th, this page will also have the link to this year's challenge information.
The FLL information page.
Energy Related Sites
Instructions for the pizza box solar oven
http://www.reachoutmichigan.org/funexperiments/agesubject/lessons/other/solar.html
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/classactivities/Activitybook_web.pdf
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy_fungames/index.html
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/classactivities/SaltinePrimary.pdf
http://www.energyscience.org/education/energyscience/index.html
http://www.eia.doe.gov/bookshelf/eer/kiddietoc.html
If you are unable to participate in any of the FIRST programs this year, think about attending a regional or state event in your area. It’s a great way to get familiar with the program and see the final JFLL displays and FLL robots.
But, be warned! The FIRST bug is (fun and) contagious!
Thank you for visiting this week!
Michelle
