Biology

About 400 children on 42 teams will gather at WKU’s Diddle Arena on Feb. 2 for the Kentucky FIRST LEGO League’s State Robotics Competition.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. and will conclude with an awards ceremony at approximately 5:30 p.m.

The theme of this year’s event is “Senior Solutions™,” which calls for teams of 9 to 14 year olds to research and explore the topic of aging and how it may affect a person’s ability to maintain his or her lifestyle. Teams will research obstacles and then suggest ways to improve the quality of life for seniors affected. Through hands-on experience and working in teams, children have a chance to explore a real-world issue to gain an appreciation for and interest in science and technology.

The FIRST LEGO League competition is judged in four areas: project presentation; robot performance; technical design and programming of the robot; and teamwork, with a consideration of the FLL Core Values. The highest honor will go to the team that best exemplifies the spirit and values of the program.

Sponsors include the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, WKU Center for the Study of Aging, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Ogden College of Science and Engineering, Penn Station East Coast Subs, The Center for Gifted Studies, Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and various departments in Ogden College at WKU.

For information about the state competition, contact event coordinator John Inman at (270) 745-3048 or john.inman@wku.edu.