Elementary and Middle School Programs
Virginia Tech
The goal of FIRST Lego League™ (FLL) is to inspire curiosity and interest in science and technology for middle school children. Developed by FIRST(TM) (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) through a partnership with the LEGO Company, FLL presents an interactive program that captivates children's interest in science and technology as they master the dynamics of teamwork, communication skills, and problem solving. FLL is a nationally organized and recognized robotics competition for teams of children led by an adult coach. Each team designs, constructs, and programs a robot to perform a task posed in a nationwide challenge. Teams compete at local events and state tournaments where they are recognized for excellence in teamwork, problem solving, creativity, design, strategy, presentation, and leadership. The ultimate goal is for teams to demonstrate their robot's ability to perform the challenge in a head-to-head competition.
A Robotics Challenge Program for Southwest Virginia
In Fall 2001, CPES-VT received a grant from the National Science Foundation for a project titled "Partnerships in Engineering: A Robotics Challenge Program for Southwest Virginia." The purpose of this grant is to expand the FLL project in Southwestern Virginia. Major components of the program will be: teacher training through coaching and curriculum development; mentoring, tutoring, and career guidance of middle school children by Engineering undergraduate and graduate students; industry/university/school system partnering through mentorship, presentations, and consultation; and annual evaluation by teachers, students, and mentors.
- For more information please contact:
- Beth Tranter
- Center for Power Electronics Systems
- Virginia Tech
- 646 Whittemore Hall (0179)
- Blacksburg, VA 24061
- Phone: (540) 231-1782
- Fax: (540) 231-6390
- E-mail: etranter@vt.edu