| Related Stories:
|
| Keywords: | |
|
Michigan Tech to Host U.P. LEGO League Regional
For more information on this story contact:
If you remember using LEGOs to build walls or little houses, you haven't seen LEGOs lately.
Think robots. Think programmable movement.
Elementary and middle school teams from all over the western and central U.P. will converge on the Michigan Tech campus November 23 to show what they can do with these 21st Century LEGOs.
Many of the western U.P. teams will also participate in a warm-up event at Ontonagon High School on November 12.
It is part of the nationwide FIRST LEGO League. Each September, all teams receive the challenge, which changes each year. The teams use the LEGO Mindstorms robotic invention system to make a robot capable of completing the challenge's various missions. They have eight weeks to do so.
Students use LEGO bricks and other elements, such as sensors, motors and gears, gaining hands-on experience in engineering and computer programming principles.
"This is a great way for these students to take what they are learning in math and science classes and apply it to a real problem," said Shawn Oppliger, director of the Western U.P. Center for Science, Mathematics and Environmental Education, which sponsors the contest.
The teams also develop presentations based on a research assignment provided by the FIRST LEGO League, relating to a problem or opportunity facing the world today.
FIRST means "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology." The organization formed to interest high school students in science by sponsoring a competition with full-sized robots. FIRST LEGO League is the farm system for the FIRST competition.
Locally, the competition is sponsored by the Michigan Tech Robotics Enterprise, Michigan Tech's Wireless Integrated Microsystems Enterprise and the Western U.P. Center for Science, Mathematics and Environmental Education. The center is a partnership of the Copper Country and Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate Schools Districts and Michigan Tech.
So far, 23 teams have registered for the U.P. regional tournament, which will take place at Michigan Tech's varsity basketball gym in Houghton. Opening ceremonies will kick-off at 9 a.m., with practice rounds and competitions running the rest of the morning.
The final round will take place after lunch, with the winner crowned at 2:30 p.m.
More information and photos from last year's tournament are available at http://www.wupcenter.mtu.edu/education/LEGO/index.htm. For information about the competition, contact Shawn Oppliger at 906-482-0331 or sopplige@ccisd.k12.mi.us.
NOTE: Teams registered so far include
Bothwell Middle School Marquette--2 teams
Sleight Elementary Ironwood
Hancock Middle School Hancock
Hancock Elementary Hancock
Baraga Elementary Baraga
Ontonagon Middle School Ontonagon
Ontonagon Elementary Ontonagon
Northern Michigan Univ. Marquette
Houghton Elementary Houghton
Washington Middle School Calumet
Father Marquette Middle School Marquette (2 teams)
Aspen Ridge Middle School Ishpeming
Wells Township School Arnold
Marquette ISD Marquette
Autrain-Onota School Deerton
Gilbert Elementary Gwinn
Powell Township Big Bay
|
|
