NOT YOUR PARENTS’ LEGOS!

STEM training (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) within all levels of education is at the forefront of most education standards. Teachers and students are learning new ways to incorporate STEM training into the classroom; one of those ways is LEGO League. Don’t get too confused, this is not your typical way of using LEGOs.

FIRST® LEGO® League is the most accessible, guided, global robotics competition, helping students and teachers to build a better future together. The program is built around theme-based challenges to engage children ages 9 to 16* in research, problem solving, coding, and engineering. The foundation of the program is the FIRST® Core Values, which emphasize teamwork, discovery, and innovation. Students emerge more confident, excited, and equipped with the skills they need in a changing workforce.

When students are engaged in hands-on STEM experiences, they build confidence, grow their knowledge and develop habits of learning. When adults coach these students, they encourage them to try, fail, and try again, while connecting STEM concepts to real-world examples.

LEGO League is growing in the Walton County School District, and students are responding. While it is still relatively new our students are hitting the ground running. During this tournament season, three of our Walton County Schools had three teams receive bids to compete in the First LEGO League Championship Tournament in Tallahassee, FL. Dune Lakes Elementary (One Step Ahead), Freeport Elementary (Freeport Engineers), and Walton Middle School (Techno Warriors) competed in the regional tournament on February 22nd. The First LEGO State Championship Tournament will be held at Northwest Florida State College on March 27th and 28th. The teams are using every qualifier and tournament to get better and looking forward to a better future through LEGOs.

Article submitted by Stephen Byrd, Walton Middle School

Dune Lakes Lego Team