The energy in our workshop has been electric these past few weeks! Our three FIRST LEGO League teams are in full preparation mode for the January 25th regional tournament, and we couldn’t be more proud of their dedication and creativity.
Team Progress Updates
Robo Sharks 🦈
Focus: Coral Reef Restoration Innovation Project: Smart Coral Monitoring System
The Robo Sharks have developed an incredible solution for monitoring coral reef health using underwater sensors and AI analysis. Their robot consistently scores 280+ points in practice runs, and their presentation skills have improved dramatically.
Recent Achievements:
- Completed their innovation project prototype
- Mastered 8 out of 10 robot missions
- Presented to local marine biology experts for feedback
Quote from Team Captain Emma (age 14): “Learning about coral bleaching made us realize how important our oceans are. Our monitoring system could help marine biologists track reef health in real-time and respond faster to threats.”
Deep Sea Coders 💻
Focus: Ocean Plastic Cleanup Innovation Project: Autonomous Cleanup Drone Network
This team has blown us away with their ambitious project to create a network of autonomous drones that can identify and collect plastic waste from ocean surfaces. Their programming skills have grown exponentially this season.
Recent Achievements:
- Built a working prototype of their cleanup drone
- Scored 295 points in their best robot run
- Partnered with a local environmental group for project validation
Quote from Team Member Alex (age 13): “We started this season barely knowing how to program a motor. Now we’re building autonomous systems! It shows what you can accomplish when you work together and don’t give up.”
Ocean Explorers 🌊
Focus: Marine Life Protection Innovation Project: Smart Fishing Net Technology
The Ocean Explorers have tackled the problem of bycatch in commercial fishing with their smart net design that can selectively release non-target species. Their solution combines engineering creativity with environmental awareness.
Recent Achievements:
- Created detailed technical drawings and 3D models
- Consulted with local fishermen and marine biologists
- Developed a comprehensive implementation plan
Quote from Team Member Jordan (age 12): “We learned that sometimes the best solutions are simple ones. Our net design doesn’t require expensive technology, but it could save thousands of sea turtles and dolphins.”
Competition Day Logistics
Tournament Details
- Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
- Location: Michigan State University Engineering Building
- Schedule: 7:00 AM departure, 8:00 PM return (estimated)
What to Expect
The regional tournament includes four main components:
- Robot Performance (3 rounds, 2.5 minutes each)
- Innovation Project Presentation (5 minutes + Q&A)
- Core Values Activities (Teamwork challenges)
- Robot Design Interview (Technical discussion)
Parent Information
- Transportation will be provided via chartered bus
- Teams will eat lunch at the venue (provided)
- Awards ceremony begins at approximately 4:00 PM
- Please arrive at pickup location by 6:45 AM
Behind the Scenes: What Makes Success
Mentor Spotlight
Our volunteer mentors have been incredible this season:
- Dr. Lisa Chen (Software Engineer): “Watching these kids debug code and iterate on designs teaches me new ways to approach problems in my own work.”
- Mike Rodriguez (Mechanical Engineer): “Their creativity is unlimited. They come up with solutions I never would have thought of.”
- Jessica Park (High School CS Teacher): “The growth in their confidence and technical skills over just a few months is remarkable.”
Student Leadership
We’re particularly proud of how our older students have stepped up as peer mentors:
- Teaching younger teammates programming concepts
- Leading design review sessions
- Organizing practice schedules
- Providing emotional support during challenging moments
Competition Strategy
Final Preparation Checklist
✅ Robot programming completed and tested
✅ Innovation project presentation rehearsed
✅ Team uniforms and pit setup materials ready
✅ Core values activities practiced
✅ Backup plans for technical difficulties prepared
Goals for Competition Day
While we’d love to advance to the state championship, our primary goals are:
- Have fun and represent our values
- Learn from other teams and judges
- Celebrate the journey and growth
- Inspire other young people
- Come home excited for next season
Community Support
The support from our community has been overwhelming:
- 50+ family members planning to attend as spectators
- Local businesses providing healthy snacks for the bus ride
- High school alumni sending encouraging messages
- Sponsor representatives planning to visit our pit area
Special Thanks
- Tech Innovations Inc. for funding our registration fees
- Lansing Community Bank for supporting transportation costs
- Tony’s Pizza for providing team dinner during final prep week
- All the families who have volunteered countless hours
Looking Beyond Competition
Regardless of Saturday’s results, we’re already planning for next season:
Post-Competition Activities
- February: Reflection sessions and season wrap-up
- March: Recruitment for new teams
- April: Spring Festival and community demonstration
- May: Annual hack-a-thon fundraiser
- Summer: Optional camps and advanced workshops
Skills for Life
The technical skills are just the beginning. Through FIRST LEGO League, our students develop:
- Problem-solving abilities that transfer to any field
- Communication skills through presentations and teamwork
- Resilience by learning from failures and setbacks
- Leadership by taking ownership of projects
- Empathy through community-focused innovation projects
Follow Our Journey
Want to cheer on our teams at regionals? Here’s how to stay connected:
- Live Updates: Follow our Facebook page for real-time posts from competition
- Photo Gallery: Check our website for pictures throughout the day
- Video Highlights: Subscribe to our YouTube channel for post-competition interviews
- Celebration Event: Join us Sunday, January 26 at 2:00 PM for a team celebration (location TBA)
No matter what happens on Saturday, we’re already winners. These students have worked hard, supported each other, and created solutions that could genuinely make our world better. That’s what FIRST is all about.
Go teams! 🤖🏆
Want to support our teams? Consider becoming a sponsor or volunteer with us for next season!