Logo Robotics reveal the greatness at Hamline Elementary

By JESSICA KOPP

On Jan. 20, three Hamline Elementary/Jie Ming teams competed in the St. Paul Lego Robotics Regional Tournament, facing off against dozens of other schools. All three teams received awards (Robot Performance, Robot Design, two in Core Values) for their work.

Two teams qualified for the MN First Lego League State Championship (grades 4-8), held on Feb. 24, where they joined around 60 other Lego Robotics teams from around Minnesota in a lively and friendly competition.

Photo right: The Hydro Huskies huddle at the MN First Lego League State Championship held Feb. 24. (Photo submitted)

This year’s theme was Hydro Dynamics, and each team completed a project that, according to the First Lego League guidelines, “developed a creative solution to improve the way people find, use, transport, or dispose of water.” The teams conducted research, talked to experts, and presented to various individuals and organizations as they developed, built, and refined their project.

The Hydro Dragons created an electrical rain garden to produce clean, renewable energy. The Hydro Huskies created the compost tea booster to create natural, nutrient-rich rainwater for use in personal and community gardens. The teams also built small robots, using Lego Mindstorms kits, that were then programmed to complete various “missions” related to hydrodynamics on a small course.

At the State Tournament, the Hydro Dragons took home the Inspiration Award for, “demonstrating extraordinary enthusiasm, support, and encouragement of fellow teams.” This is related to First Lego League’s Core Values which include shared learning, sportsmanship, and having fun.

Photo left: The Junior Lego League team, The Water Mixing Dragons, took home the Inspiration Award MN First Lego League State Championship. (Photo submitted)

If the current state of Lego Robotics is strong at 1599 Englewood Ave., the future is bright, too. The Water Mixing Dragons, a Hamline Elementary/Jie Ming Junior Lego League team (2nd and 3rd graders) participated in an exhibition during the State Tournament, showing off their emerging skills by developing a poster, building a model, and presenting their work.

Thanks to Hamline Elementary and Jie Ming science teacher Dr. Bonnie Laabs and several other dedicated volunteers who gave the teams the tools and encouragement they needed to succeed. Congratulations to all on a great year of awesome engineering and teamwork—and buckle up, because next year the project and mission will take the teams into space!