Vincennes University is hosting a regional FIRST LEGO League competition this weekend, bringing hundreds of middle school students to campus for a day of robotics and problem solving.
The event is part of FIRST Indiana Robotics, a program designed to introduce students to science, technology, engineering, and teamwork through hands-on competition.
Students compete using LEGO-built robots they design and program themselves, completing themed challenges and earning points based on performance.
Kimberly Wright, director of Vincennes University’s Center for Applied Robotics and Automation, says the competition is about more than winning and gives students the opportunity to develop important life skills.
“And when you’re in that sort of intense, competitive moment, to remember they have a saying called gracious professionalism,” Wright said. “Teamwork is most important, having fun is most important. And so it’s a great mix of real-life skills that apply both to the robotics competition and to real life as well.”
In addition to robot matches, teams also present research projects to judges, focusing on real-world problem solving and communication skills.
The competition is open to the public and begins Saturday morning at the university’s PE Complex. Opening ceremonies are at 9 a.m. It’s free and open to the public.
