CNF is excited to host the 16th annual FIRST Lego League (FLL) Explore Expo on Saturday April 13th in the Duffield Hall Atrium, Cornell campus.
The FLL Explore Expo has a long history of providing an innovative platform for young people to exercise and experience science and technology.
Via this year's FLL challenge, "MASTERPIECE℠", "FIRST LEGO League teams will embark on a creative journey, imagining and innovating new ways to create and communicate art across the globe. It promises to be an inspiring and artistic adventure!" Xinwei Wu, CNF Second Floor Labs and Thin Films, LEGO EXPO Coordinator.
The LEGO Program planted its roots at CNF in 2006, led by CNF’s very own Dan Woodie. Over the years, the program has significantly expanded globally, reaching 33 countries and witnessing substantial growth in participant numbers. Since its inception, the program has been aligning with the broader global mission of the FIRST Lego League Explore, consisting of various challenges, regional tournaments, and championships. The purpose of the LEGO program is to encourage kids in grades preK through 8th to get more involved in science using “versatile Lego bricks” - Xinwei Wu. Participants get to complete a hands-on Lego-building challenge based on the theme of the year. The theme is decided on by the program director and followed by all participants across the nation.
“The goal of the LEGO challenge is to build a project that tells a story [...] it emphasizes that everyone can be technical [and] teaches kids to prioritize science on the same level as sports.” -Michael Skvarla, CNF User Program Manager, LEGO Program Reviewer
In preparation for the challenge, contestants participate in outreach to evaluate issues that their projects could address in the real world. In past years contestants have gone to sewage treatment plants, water treatments plants, construction companies, and other facilities. In groups of 3 to 4, students are then able to implement ideas they learned into the Lego designs. The designs are evaluated by designated Reviewers, who interview the participants who then present what they built, the most challenging parts of the process, and how they worked with the theme.
“It was a pleasure to judge these LEGO events because the kids were so creative and promising as upcoming scientists.” -Beth Rhoades, LEGO Program Reviewer
Each participating team receives a superlative award and a badge based on the concept of their creation. More importantly, the LEGO program provides a platform for the youth to get involved in the technical aspects of STEM in a way that is educational, fun, and rewarding. If you’re interested in getting involved in the FIRST Lego Challenge more information can be found here! The last day to register is March 22, 2024.
"We eagerly anticipate the return of all the amazing teams. It's going to be an event filled with creativity and artistic expressions!" -Xinwei Wu.