Mayo innovators to the fore in Foróige LEGO challenge
Twelve teams of budding engineers, representing a variety of Foróige projects from across Ireland, gathered in Athlone on April 5 last for an exhilarating FIRST LEGO League MASTERPIECE Challenge Blitz.
The tournament saw teams showcase their creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills as they navigated the thrilling world of robotics and STEAM learning.
The Ballinrobots from Foróige Connect, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, claimed the title of champions, impressing judges with their innovative approach and technical skill.
Meanwhile, the Ballina Nuggets from Ballina NYP secured the innovation project winners accolade, showcasing their unique solution to a real-world problem.
There were additional winners from Roscommon, Boyle and Portlaoise.
This science and technology challenge, which is aimed at 11- to 16-year-olds, tasks teams to build a robot to tackle a series of missions and create an innovative solution to a real-world problem. This year’s MASTERPIECE challenge asks FIRST LEGO League teams to imagine innovative new ways to create and communicate art across the globe using technology while demonstrating their skills in robotics, computer programming, teamwork, research, problem solving and communication.
Supported by the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Discover Programme, the initiative is organised by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in partnership with Irish delivery partner, CreativeHUT.
FIRST is an acronym for ‘For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology’, and the FIRST LEGO League encourages young people to think like scientists and engineers, developing practical solutions to real-world issues.
The league inspires young people from the ages of four to 16 to understand and shape the world they live in, in a more sustainable and inclusive way. Importantly, it ignites interest in STEAM learning, challenging the idea that science is dull, too technical, or only for boys!
Dublin-based CreativeHUT is the regional organiser of the FIRST LEGO League in Ireland, and founder Ross Maguire said the fun team-challenge inspires the new generation of budding scientists and engineers.
He commented:
“We are delighted to partner with Foróige to grow their engagement with the FIRST LEGO League as this is a platform for young people to discover the world of STEM and collaborate on real-world problems. These fantastic young people are taking the first steps to become tomorrow’s innovators, creators and problem solvers. The concepts of cooperation and competition combine. It’s the idea that, by working together, we all win. It is not about building robots, it’s about robots building people.”
Foróige’s digital youth officer, Megan Depinna, shared how delighted she was with the success of this inaugural tournament.
“Foróige is delighted to be part of the FIRST LEGO League MASTERPIECE Challenge Blitz,” said Megan. “The tournament provides an incredible platform through which young people can showcase their talent, skill and creativity. The dedication, innovation and teamwork displayed by the participants was really inspiring.
“Each team brought their unique perspective and enthusiasm, making the event a true celebration of STEAM learning and youth empowerment. Foróige is immensely proud of all of the young people involved and we are excited to continue supporting their journey in robotics and beyond.”
The annual robotics and creative thinking challenge is organised in the UK and Ireland by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Hannah Rees, senior education manager, explained how the FIRST LEGO League allows young people to really experience engineering in action.
“It encourages children to think like scientists and engineers, and to embrace learning. We are incredibly pleased to see that participation by youth group teams in the annual challenge has grown steadily in the past three years and is now a national programme in Ireland.”
Over 11,000 young people have participated in the FIRST LEGO League in Ireland in the past three years of the global programme.
Dr. Ruth Freeman, director, Science for Society at SFI, said the inclusive appeal of the FIRST LEGO League makes science accessible to everyone.
“We are delighted to be supporting the FIRST LEGO League in helping young people to build essential skills in STEM, such as creativity and problem solving, and giving them a chance to apply these skills to real-world problems. This programme supports the SFI Discover Programme’s central aims to increase public engagement and broaden participation and access to STEM across Ireland.”
In Ireland, the FIRST LEGO League is supported by funding from Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Programme. It aims to inspire and create awareness of the impact of STEM on society, and its connection and contribution to everyday life. Visit fll.learnit.ie to discover more about the range of programmes and how to get involved.