Budding young engineers took part in a challenge which saw primary school teams building Lego models and programming moving parts.
Five schools - including Peartree Spring in Stevenage and Round Diamond in Great Ashby - took part in the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s First Lego League Jr. Expo at its Stevenage office last Wednesday.
The science and technology challenge, which is aimed at six to nine year olds, tasks teams with building a Lego model and programming one moving element, as well as researching the annual theme. This year’s theme was ‘Mission Moon’ – looking at how humans could survive and live on the moon, taking into account how to breathe, what to eat and drink and what other problems we might face.
Coached by IET colleagues, six teams of primary school children showcased their work, which included a moon base that had to include a moving element, and a research poster which showed all they had learnt about the moon.
Every child who takes part is presented with a medal and certificate, and each team receives a trophy.
Nicole Tiebosch, who coached the Round Diamond team, said: “It’s been great fun working with the children on their project. It has involved researching, designing, creating and programming, all while working as a team.
“It’s so important to get young children thinking about and involved in STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - subjects and First Lego League Jr is a perfect way of doing this.”
Lowri Walton, IET First Lego League Jr. programme manager, added: “First Lego League Jr. allows young people to experience engineering in action.
“As well as bringing excitement to STEM subjects, the students get hands-on experience with coding, and designing innovative solutions to real world problems.
“Developing computer programming, teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills has never been so much fun and gives students an insight into the creative and innovative careers that engineering presents.
“There is a great need for young people with STEM skills to fill the next generation of engineering roles and we are excited to see such bright young engineering minds taking part in First Lego League Jr.”
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