WKU News

About 400 children on 42 teams will gather at WKU’s Diddle Arena on Jan. 14 for the Kentucky FIRST LEGO League’s State Robotics Competition.

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

The theme of this year’s event is “Food Factor™,” which calls for teams of 9 to 14 year olds to research and explore ways in which food can become contaminated – from exposure to insects and creatures, to unsterile processing and transportation, to unsanitary preparation and unsafe storage — and then propose real-world solutions for preventing or combating these contaminates. 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 FLL 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, Applied Physics Institute (API), College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Ogden College of Science and Engineering, Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and various departments in Ogden College at WKU.

Contact: John Inman, (270) 745-3048.