2101 E. River Road | Tucson, AZ 85718
Phone: 520-209-7551 | Fax: 520-209-7575
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
CARE: 520-209-7549
Travis Kolter
Director
Lego Robotics
What is FIRST Lego League
FIRST Lego League (FLL) introduces young people (grades 4-8), to the fun and excitement of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). It is designed for students do the research and problem solving, which are integral parts of each element of STEM, to meet the yearly Challenge. Students identify a problem and develop an innovative solution.
There are three elements that make up the Challenge: 1. programming an autonomous robot (the Robot Game), 2. creating innovative solutions to a problem (the Project) 3. following the FLL Core Values where the children learn that helping one another and the spirit of friendly competition is the foundation of teamwork.
Each year’s Challenge is similar to real challenges faced by scientists and engineers, which leads to an understanding of the work of these professionals and an exposure to career options. The Project gives the teams the opportunity to more deeply explore the theme of the Challenge and propose a solution to a problem they select.
The teams present their projects for feedback from the judges, who often are experts in the Challenge field. FIRST Lego League imparts valuable life skills and excitement about how our students can make a difference in the world.
FIRST Lego League in CFSD
In Catalina Foothills School District, students who participate in FIRST Lego League (FLL) are afforded unique experiences involving a team approach to engineering, programming, problem solving, and research. FLL equips students with tools to be successful in a rapidly-evolving world. FLL presents students with real-world situations and challenges in which they develop their abilities to think critically, apply knowledge at high levels and use technology to access, evaluate and communicate information.
Led by Charlotte Ackerman, CFSD’s Teacher Leader for Science and Engineering, FLL team members work together over a 14-week session to address the current FLL mission and prepare for competition in December.
More Robotics Opportunities for CFSD Students
In addition to FIRST Lego League, CFSD students have other opportunities to learn and utilize robotics skills.
Lego Robotics enrichment classes
Beginning and advanced-level robotics classes are available throughout the school year and in Camp Foothills each summer. Students use new generation EV3 robots to accomplish designated missions. They engage in activities to learn to code and troubleshoot the robots’ programming. Engineering concepts are introduced and expanded as students develop proficiencies that promote deep learning and 21st century aptitudes.
FIRST Lego League Lite
In the winter and spring months, students who have an interest in participating as an FLL team member in the following school year are encouraged to join FLL Lite. This enrichment experience gives students the opportunity to get a taste of FLL without making the commitment to the full 14-week program. They get to try the current school year’s FLL mission and build their skills for future competitions without actually stepping into the arena of competing.
2018-2019 Challenge
INTO ORBIT
This year’s teams will design and program a LEGO Mindstorms robot to the accomplish tasks like mining an asteroid, building and supplying a space colony, and cleaning up space trash. They will also propose an innovative solution to a research question that will advance the human ability to live or work beyond Earth.
Students who are interested in participating on an FLL team must attend a 2-session FLL PREVIEW CLASS. The Preview Class is a “test flight” for the full 14-week team mission.
The days and times for the PREVIEW CLASSES and FLL SEASON are:
- Ventana Vista and Canyon View – at Ventana Vista on Mondays 3:00-5:45 (The combined school Preview Class is on August 13 and 20)
- Sunrise Drive – Tuesdays 3:00-5:45 (Preview Class on August 14 and 21)
- Manzanita – Thursdays 3:00-5:45 (Preview Class on August 16 and 23)
- Esperero, Orange Grove and CFHS - Fridays at 3:00-5:45 (Preview Class on August 17 and August 24). ECMS and OGMS students can arrange to ride a school bus to Sunrise Drive School by requesting a bus pass when registering.
The full INTO ORBIT FLL season team meetings will begin the week of August 27, 2018 and will continue through the second week in December.