This summer our oldest (almost 8) son Noah participated in a Lego League group. They are currently gearing up for this fall where the team will construct a project based on the "theme" dictated by the international league. We are waiting for the formal announcement on September 3rd regarding the theme criteria, the idea is called "Smart Move" .
2009 Smart Move
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Transforming Transportation - Launches September 2009
Can Jr.FLL teams transform the way we look at transportation? The key to the 2009 “Smart Move” Challenge is accessing people, places, goods and services in the safest, most efficient way possible. In this journey, teams will consider many modes of transportation beyond their daily routine and streamline their options by making smart moves!
Each team purchases a kit to build depending on their project idea within this theme. Teams also compile reports and present their theme in creative and often theatric ways in competition.
http://www.legoeducation.us/jrfll/Default.aspx?retest=1&domainalert=1&bhcp=1
http://www.usfirst.org/community/jfll/default.aspx?id=818
Last fall Noah participated in Cub Scouts and had a great experience, but with Joe's travelling it was very difficult for him to make every meeting. Plus, we really love our weekends to do things as a family and we observe the Sabbath, so the weekend outings were becoming a conflict. The Lego League has been a wonderful activity and does not conflict with our family life, plus gives Noah the interaction with his buddies in a wholesomely, structured and academic way. Noah is already "outdoorsy" which is what we loved about Cub Scouts and with a dad that makes outdoor life a reality, Noah would not be missing out. The irony about LL is that when I was in college at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, I remembered seeing Lego League signs posted throughout various buildings. Tech being mostly an engineering schoo, I was used to seeing robots and other "techy" displays, but could never figure out the LL signs. After all, this was a university and not a daycare for kids. Now of course I've learned that the signs were for the LL teams to meet in preparation for the international competitions held at places like Tech every year. It's a really big deal!! Scholarships to college are awarded to team winners. It will be neat to go back to the place where Joe and I met and went to school for our sons competitions!
This year the parents have to decide if we want to the team to compete. The Juniour League has the option of competing or opt do the project just for the experience and learning and worry about competing next year.
Here's some additional information on the league:
Vision
"To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes."
Dean Kamen, Founder
Mission
Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
Jr.FLL
Junior FIRST LEGO® League
Grades K-3 (ages 6-9)
About Jr.FLL
The newest program in FIRST introduces the youngest students to the exciting worlds of science and technology. Just like FLL, this program features a real-world challenge, to be solved by research, critical thinking and imagination. Guided by adult coaches, students work with LEGO elements and moving parts to create solutions and present them for review.
Younger elementary school students get to:
- Design and build challenge solutions using LEGO Education Simple & Motorized Mechanisms set
- Apply real-world math and science concept
- Research challenges facing today’s scientists
- Learn team-building and presentation skills
- Develop Show-Me posters
A little informal "show and tell" at our local Jr. First Lego League.
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