CAMDENTON, Mo. -- Inspiration, teamwork and "gracious professionalism" brought masses of students to Camdenton High School this weekend, where the 4-H FIRST Lego League (FLL) Laser Robotics Mid-Missouri FIRST Tech Challenge Qualifier took place.
The students spent weeks working together, brainstorming, designing, constructing, programming and then testing a robot they put together to compete with other teams. While guided by their imaginations, the students learned how important it is to work together while exercising critical thinking and presentation skills. A key component for FIRST, which was encouraged throughout the entire event, was gracious professionalism.
The judging process resulted in multiple awards that recognize a wide variety of accomplishments under different categories. Spectators of the event were able to watch the robot table competitions and visit the team pits to see the innovative projects on display. However, for a large portion of the judging, students were sent behind closed doors where only the student team members were allowed for additional judging.
FLL is a higher level introduction to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). For students to participate in the program, they must meet academic and attendance criteria and be referred by teachers and principals.
This "World Class" themed event for 2014 is based around how learning occurs. Teams were given the challenge to come up with an innovative solution to improve learning around the world.
"We are honored and thrilled to have been asked to host both the FLL and FTC tournaments for Mid-Missouri this year," said Dr. Tim Hadfield, Superintendent of Camdenton Schools. "FIRST has been a tremendous addition to our afterschool system in Camdenton and has seen phenomenal growth in our district and nationally."