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12/11/2019 11:01 PM

John Winthrop Lego Robotics Students Win Award, Advance to State Championship


John Winthrop Middle School (JWMS) 7th- and 8th-graders (from left, back) Tyler Brown, Delny Marsden, Lillian Herman, Jake Marmelstein, Olivia Cunningham, Madeline Morrissey, Cooper Edwards, Kate Yurasek, and William Fleischer and (front) Nuala Saltus, Rex Grabowski, Otto Lavezzoli, Avi Siegel, Joanna Petrone, Linette Spaner, Millie Gardner, and Noah Santangelo took part in the Nov. 16 LEGO robotics teams competition in New Haven. Photo courtesy of Kyle Fitch

On Nov. 16 the John Winthrop Middle School (JWMS) 7th- and 8th-grade LEGO robotics teams competed in Elmfest, the FIRST LEGO League Robotics regional competition in New Haven. More than 200 teams participated in one of the regional competitions throughout the state. JWMS’s 8th-grade team won the Judges Award and will advance as one of the finalists in the state championship competition.

Every year LEGO League releases a challenge based on a real-world scientific topic. This year’s theme is City Shaper and is sponsored by Star Wars. In order to create a stronger, more sustainable future, students are challenged to work together to create a unique solution to improve a public space or building in their community. In addition to this innovation project, students must learn how to build a robot and code programs to compete in the robot game. Last, students learn the importance and must demonstrate FIRST LEGO League’s core values, which stress respect, teamwork, determination, and work ethic.