First Lego League (FLL): State STEM Lego Robotics Competition

So proud of the girls and their teammates!  They won a Judges Award Trophy at State!

Last weekend we had the privilege of going with the girls to State STEM Lego Robotics Competition.  The competition is called FLL or First Lego League!  The state competition was in Columbia, South Carolina and they had to be there by 7:45 am on Saturday morning.  It was a full day, but it went by quickly.  The kids had several presentations in front of the judges as well as three rounds with their robot completing various tasks.  In between they had the opportunity to trade swag with other teams and doing various other activities.

There were 60 teams participating at the event.  They were competing alongside a variety of great elementary and middle schools from around the state.  Even with that many teams and their first time at State they ended up bringing home a Judges Award trophy for the Rising Star.  The kids were so excited!

Both the kids and their coaches have put in countless hours of research, programing, practice and more since October.  Thankful for a great team of coaches who volunteer their time after school twice a week to help mentor and encourage these kids to learn.  There are 4 faculty members from the kids school who help  – Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Ponder, Mr. Moore, and Mrs. Husso.   They have truly been an amazing blessing to these kids!

The quote the coaches gave at the beginning of this club year was – “It’s the hardest fun you’ll have!”  It is hard work, yet a great way to learn not only about STEM, robotics, research, but also how to work effectively as a team.  Proud of the team and coaches for all they were able to accomplish this year so far and looking forward to the fun things they have in store for the remaining meetings this year.

One of the few times all 4 of us are matching (well 5 if you include Skipper who was not cooperating for the picture).  Jake and I had team shirts too! 🙂

Solar SySTEM in the parade at the beginning of the event!

First robotics map round!

The kids were troopers and had great attitudes all day with all the activities, events, presentations, and more!

Cheering and clapping for their team!

The coaches put together goody bags for the kids to trade with the other teams at State!  Lots of good loot.  Not sure if our girls came home with many items that were originally in their bags!

Listening intently to Coach Johnson’s instructions for an upcoming presentation.

The kids designed and decorated their table displays, posters, presentation props, and more.

Hanging out for a few minutes in between events with Coach Ponder!

They had a few moments in between to relax a little and even play a game with friends.

Ready for the next event!

Watching closely!

There were a lot of people at State FLL

Waiting for the awards to be presented!

Their team number was drawn to come up in front of every person and team at the FLL Competition!  They did a great job.  Karlie was the first one to answer a question in front of a huge crowd and she was so excited about her project she wasn’t nervous talking with a mike in front of a very large crowd!

They won a trophy!  WOOHOO!

Way to go!  Solar SySTEM team with 2 of their coaches.

Yay!  It was a great day for the team!

Love the FLL trophies!  They are made out of legos!  Very neat!

Slogan and shirt designed by the kids!  “Stay in Orbit!”