Big win at robotics competition

A team from Grace Lutheran College’s Caboolture and Rothwell campuses has brought home a major award from the FIRST LEGO League Long Beach Californian Open.

The team of six students, called the Grace Pineapples, spent a week at Long Beach in May, winning the Peer Award for Best Overall Team.

Grace Lutheran College Head of Innovation and Enterprise Peter Kellett says FIRST LEGO League is an internationally acclaimed program that challenges young individuals aged nine to 16 years to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through robotics.

“With the motto of ‘More Than Robots’, the league aims to inspire and engage students in real-world problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers,” Peter says.

“Throughout the season, teams participate in various regional and international competitions, designing and programming autonomous robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology.

“In addition to the robotics aspect, FIRST LEGO League also encourages participants to undertake a research project addressing a specific theme, combining scientific knowledge with presentation skills to propose innovative solutions to real-world challenges.”

Peter says the Grace Pineapples team demonstrated dedication, passion, and ingenuity in their robot design and research project, and the recognition they received was well-deserved.

“This achievement serves as a testament to their tireless efforts and the invaluable mentorship they received from their coaches and mentors,” he says.

“The Grace Pineapples team, led by team captains from the Grace Lutheran College Caboolture campus, impressed the judges with their excellent robot performance, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

“Additionally, their research project, centered around hydropower generation, showcased their innovative ideas and commitment to making a positive impact on their community and the world at large.”

Peter says being involved in the program develops students’ technical skills but also instils core values such as gracious professionalism, teamwork, and respectful competition.

“Through the program, young individuals gain invaluable life skills, discover their passion for STEM, and develop a deep understanding of the importance of collaboration and innovation,” he says.

The students now have their sights set on another season in Australia of FIRST LEGO League and perhaps the next level of robotics, the FIRST Tech Challenge.