What: FIRST Lego League Festival
When: March 8, 2008, 9:00-3:30 p.m.           
Where: Wentworth Institute of Technology, Watson Auditorium

Information
FIRST Lego League (FLL) is an exciting and fun global robotics program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, and technology in students from 9 to 14 years old. Each year, FLL teams embark on an adventurous challenge based on current, real-world issues. This year’s challenge, Power Puzzle, encourages students to think about sources of energy that are used in their community.

Each student team audits one community building (post office, school, church, etc.) and determines ways in which the building could conserve energy and replace traditional energy sources with alternative or renewable energy. Teams are judges for the creativity of their solutions as well as the clarity and creativity of their presentation methods.

Teams build robots to address the topic of energy, and judges meet with the teams to discuss the technical aspects of their robots, mechanical design, and programming skills. Teams fabricate their robots using the Lego Mindstorms platform (either RCX or NXT) and program them using a variety of Labview-based software.

Students develop effective communication skills, learn the importance of teamwork, and build problem resolution skills.

Wentworth Institute of Technology
Founded in 1904, Wentworth Institute of Technology is an independent, co-educational nationally ranked institution offering career-focused education through 15 Bachelor degree programs in areas such as architecture, computer science and systems, construction management, design, engineering, engineering technology, environmental science, and management. For over a century, Wentworth has been a leader in technical education known for its academic excellence, community service, and support for the economic growth of the region. For more information, please visit www.wit.edu.