Lego gets youngsters excited about science

Engaging youngsters in informative and fun science activities can start a lifelong passion for the subject. It is no surprise then that there is demand for special science parties for kids. These sessions can help to ignite youngsters’ imaginations and provide them with the motivation they need to study the disciplines for years to come.

One event that proved a hit among participants recently was the FIRST LEGO league regional tournament. It is designed to help young competitors develop skills in design and technology, programming and control, mathematics, research, strategic thinking and teamwork.

According to a report in the Plymouth Herald, teams from 11 schools competed against each other at the Callington Space Centre. Plymouth was represented by Tor Bridge High, Ivybridge Community College and Devonport High School for Boys.

Meanwhile, each team was made up of nine to 16-year-olds and the groups had to design and programme a Lego Mindstorms robot. Once they had done this, they had to use the robot to solve problems and tasks.

The teams were assessed on their ability to build and programme the robots, as well as their presentation and research skills and how well they cooperated with one another and their competitors.

Each school that took part in the contest had a total of between eight and ten weeks to prepare. In total, 18 regional tournaments were scheduled for November, December and January. Meanwhile, a national final is set to take place in Loughborough at the end of January.

Commenting on the tournament, Professor Andy Hopper CBE, president of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, said: “FIRST LEGO League encourages an interest in real world issues and develops key skills that are crucial for their future careers.”

As well as events like this, there are special science-themed kids’ parties Nottingham and elsewhere designed to foster a passion for science.