A team of young engineers from Holywood, County Down, have been crowned champions of the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) FIRST® LEGO® League All-Ireland National Final competition.
Collectively called Treehouse Gang, the team's winning solution was the ‘Teeny Tiny Turbine (TTT)’ that generates power and depends on human beings to work. The students have been invited to represent Northern Ireland at the Morocco International Open in Marrakech in May.
Treehouse Gang took part in the FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge in W5 earlier this year, winning the Core Values Award before progressing to the All-Ireland Championships.
What is FIRST® LEGO® League
The FIRST® LEGO® League is a global science and technology competition, introducing children aged 4-16 years to STEM subjects through exciting interactive learning. Competitors gain real-world problem-solving experience through a guided robotics program which aims to inspire teachers and students to build a better future together.
This year’s competition is called SUPERPOWERED℠ and is all about exploring how energy is sourced, transported and consumed around the world.
Teams are tasked with designing a solution to making the energy journey more efficient and making sure they have lots of fun in the process!
The FIRST® LEGO® League programme in the Republic of Ireland is supported by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).
Lucy Owen, FIRST® LEGO® League Education Manager at the IET, said: “FIRST® LEGO® League allows young people to experience engineering in action. It gives students the opportunity to get hands-on experience with robotics and design innovative solutions to real world problems, all whilst bringing excitement to STEM subjects. Programming, teamwork, problem-solving and communications skills have never been so much fun and gives students an insight into the creative careers that the wonderful world of engineering offers."
“There is a great need for young people with STEM skills to fill the next generation of engineering roles and we are excited to see such bright young engineering minds in FIRST® LEGO® League.”
Are you interested in finding out more about FIRST® LEGO® League? Contact our team using the below form.