Work In Progress

And we're back! Actually, we've been back for a while. Since reopening after the Pandemic, we've run our program every term since Fall 2021 and in camps for three summers. In addition to our LEGO engineering and robotics classes, we're expanded to include maker space activities. Past photo albums will be linked at the right as I get them ready. Right now we're wrapping up two LEGO classes, a Storytelling class and a Fun Physics class that uses lesson plans and equipment from AKA Science. We'll get those albums up soon.

LEGO Program as of Winter 2020

It's been an eventful school year for the Grout SUN LEGO Program. Our First LEGO League team, Robotic Penguins, did so well in its rookie year, nearly making a spot the state tournament. We've had several dozen students work their way through the challenges of the LEGO Robotics class learning to create and program robots. The students in LEGO Machines also learned to create moving contraptions and marble mazes. 

Over the next few weeks, I'll upload some more highlights. Until then, please enjoy watching our student builds from this last term, Winter 2020.

Applications Due Monday, Sept. 16

Thanks to all of those who came to our First Lego League informational meeting last night. The kids that attended all had great questions. It's great seeing our parents and families support their kids' desire to be a part of this. I hope everyone got the information they needed.

If your student hasn't turned in his/her application, get them in by Monday before the office closes. The coaching team is meeting Monday evening to figure out our team membership. Notifications should go out on Tuesday. It's a tight turnaround because we will start meeting the week of Sept. 23rd. We'll need all 11 weeks of meetings to get ready for the December tournament.

Below are the videos I showed last night.

This one explains what the First organization is.

This one shows a team competing in the robot game at last year's State competition.

Even though this is not how the innovation project is presented in competition, I'm including this animated version of a project done last year. And because C.A.T.S.S!

Now Accepting Applications

Paper applications were sent home last week. If you need to make another copy, follow this link or pick up another at the PTA bulletin board in the front hall. If your student would like to join our team, please return the completed application to the office by Monday, Sept. 16.

We'll also be hosting an information meeting for families in the school library this Thursday, Sept. 12 from 6pm to 6:45. Also, feel free to use the contact form to the right if you have any questions.

Team Members Wanted

Attention 4th & 5th graders and their families. We're forming a new First LEGO League team at Grout!

This team seeks 6 to 8 students who love to try things, have an ability to be persistent when faced with a challenge and look for the fun in everything. No robotics experience necessary. Skills students will practice are problem solving, research, engineering, programming, strategic planning, communicating about their projects, and teamwork.

What's involved:
Teams will build and program a LEGO EV3 robot to solve missions in a robot game.
Teams will create an innovative proposal to solve a real world problem about cities.
Teams will also learn and demonstrate Core Values of First Lego League:
   •Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
   •Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
   •Impact: We apply what we learn to improve our world.
   •Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
   •Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
   •Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!

Application link coming soon.

Want to learn more, start with this video about this year's theme and challenges.

Under Construction

Come back to see information about First Lego League, coming this fall to Grout, videos and photos from our LEGO Robotics and Machines classes and so much more.