FIRST - For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

FLL - FIRST LEGO League

        Children are immersed in real-world science and technology challenges. Teams build LEGO-based robots and develop research projects. Through their participation, children develop valuable life skills and discover exciting career possibilities while learning that they can make a positive contribution to society.

Grades 4-8 (ages 9-16; 9-14 in the U.S. and Canada) get to:

• Strategize, design, build, program, and test a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS^® technology.
• Create innovative solutions for challenges facing today’s scientists as part of their research project.
• Apply real-world math and science concepts.
• Develop employment and life skills including critical thinking, time management, collaboration, and communication while becoming more self confident.
• Become involved in their local and global community.
• Choose to participate in official tournaments and local events.
• Qualify for an invitation to World Festival.
• Engage in team activities guided by FLL Core Values.

        The mission of the FLL 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.

For more information about FIRST Lego League, please go to the Official Website: http://www.usfirst.org

Can FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®) teams improve the quality of food by finding ways to prevent food contamination? In the 2011 Food Factor Challenge, over 20,000 9-14 year olds from over 55 countries will explore the topic of food safety and examine the possible points of contamination our food encounters – from exposure to insects and creatures, to unsterile processing and transportation, to unsanitary preparation and storage – then find ways to prevent or combat these contaminates. In the Food Factor Challenge, teams will build, test, and program an autonomous robot using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT to solve a set of Food Safety missions as well as research, develop, and share their innovative food safety solutions. Throughout their experience, teams will operate under FLL’s signature set of Core Values.

The Robo Dragons entered their 3rd FLL year with high aspirations. This year's theme was Food Factor. The team researched the processing and packaging of chickens and found that there were many potential safety dangers from the farm/factory to the table. The Robo Dragons discovered that nearly 76,000,000 people get sick from eating meat each year! Their innovative solution was to develop a "Germ Be Gone" flavor spray that would disinfect bacteria. The flavor spray (BBQ, garlic, teriyaki, and orange) would turn the chicken blue to indicate that it was destroying the bacteria, and when the chicken returned to its normal color, it would be safe to eat.

During their robot performance rounds, the Robo Dragons programmed "Mr. Roboto" to use a mechanical arm and claw attachment to gather the various field table items. In the end, the Robo Dragons finished in the top 5. They also presented a Core Values poster and shared what they learned this year from being in FLL. They met with judges to discuss teamwork, robot design and programming, and showed gracious professionalism.

With another fun and successful season complete, the Robo Dragons look forward to next year. 

The 135th Street RoboDragons entered their first LEGO League competition at Manhattan Beach Middle School on December, 5, 2009. The RoboDragons presented a transportation challenge in their community to a panel of judges. The RoboDragons felt that the high number of cars, car accidents, traffic, and pollution in Los Angeles created a safety problem. The students researched and found that California ranked #1 in the number of car accidents in the United States in 2006.

In addition, Los Angeles had the most accidents than any other city in California. Cities with major public transportation services, like San Francisco and New York, had a lower number of accidents. Also, the students found that an average LA driver spent nearly 96 hours in traffic a year! The RoboDragons felt that riding the bus, taking the train, biking, and walking would lessen the number of accidents, alleviate traffic, and improve the air quality.

In addition to their transportation presentation, the RoboDragons designed and programmed their robot "Drago" to knock down loops, climb a bridge, and perform numerous other maneuvers. The RoboDragons completed three rounds of competition with a high score of 115. At the end of the event, the RoboDragons had a fun and wonderful time, and left with the Rising Star Award.