Three area student teams placed for their innovative designs at the ninth annual North Texas FIRST LEGO League Regional Championship Robotics Tournament Feb. 4 at Parish Episcopal School.
The annual competition, produced by the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, hosted nearly 60 teams comprised of aspiring engineers who were able to put their teamwork and strategy skills to the test.
The FLL robotics competition’s theme this year was “Animal Allies,” and 3,900 students ages 9-14 from the North Texas area came up with a design to solve real-world problems regarding animal and human relationships.
“The competitive, high-energy nature of this program not only inspires in a big way, but serves as a gateway for young people to pursue exciting careers in science.”
DAN KOHL
Students began preparing for the competition in August. After going through qualifying rounds in December and January, nearly 600 students participated in the Feb. 4 competition.
The “TechnoWarriors,” a team of students from Coppell and Irving, took first place in the competition for their design. In second place was the “Robomonkeys,” made up of students from the Dallas and Plano area. Both teams will advance to the FLL World Festival in Houston April 19-22 in hopes that their designs will be recognized on a global level.
Students from the Hockaday School in Dallas, competing as the “Hockadaisies” team, came in at No. 3. They advanced to the LEGOLAND North American Open in California at the end of May.
“The competitive, high-energy nature of this program not only inspires in a big way but serves as a gateway for young people to pursue exciting careers in science,” said Dan Kohl, the interim CEO for the Perot Museum.
In second place at the DFW contest was the “Robomonkeys,” made up of students from the Dallas and Plano area. [Photo courtesy of Jason Janik/Perot Museum]
Students from the Hockaday School in Dallas, competing as the “Hockadaisies” team, came in at No. 3. [Photo courtesy of Charlotte Hoskins]
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