1st Lego League Robotics

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WHAT IS FIRST LEGO LEAGUE?

Tomorrow’s innovators practice imaginative thinking and teamwork.

Guided by our Science teacher and Robotics Coach, Ms. Merlos, our FIRST LEGO League team researches a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to then develop a solution. They also must design, build, program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology, then compete on a table-top playing field. It all adds up to tons of fun while they learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts (STEM), plus a big dose of imagination, to solve a problem. Along their discovery journey, they develop critical thinking and team-building skills, basic STEM applications, and even presentation skills, as they must present their solutions with a dash of creativity to judges. They also practice the 1st Lego League Program’s signature Core Values.

Our JMS FIRSTLEGO League Team Accomplishes:

  • Research challenges facing today’s scientists
  • Design, build, test and program robots using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® technology
  • Apply real-world math and science concepts
  • Learn critical thinking, team-building, and presentation skills 
  • Participate in tournaments and celebrations
  • Understand and practice Gracious Professionalism®

We Practice CORE VALUES

The FIRST LEGO League Core Values are the cornerstones of the program. They are among the fundamental elements that distinguish FIRST LEGO League from other programs of its kind. By embracing the Core Values, our student participants learn that friendly competition and mutual gain are not separate goals, and that helping one another is the foundation of teamwork.

  • We are a team.
  • We do the work to find solutions with guidance from our coaches and mentors.
  • We know our coaches and mentors don't have all the answers; we learn together.
  • We honor the spirit of friendly competition.
  • What we discover is more important than what we win.
  • We share our experiences with others.
  • We display Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition® in everything we do.
  • We have FUN!

Are You Up for a "Challenge"?

Each year FIRST LEGO League releases a 'Challenge', which is based on a real-world scientific topic. Each 'Challenge' has three parts: the Robot Game, the Project, and the Core Values. Teams then participate in the 'Challenge' by programming an autonomous robot to score points on a themed playing field (Robot Game), developing a solution to a problem they have identified (Project), all guided by the FIRST LEGO League Core Values. Teams may then attend an official tournament, hosted by the FIRST LEGO League Partners. Past Challenges have been based on topics such as nanotechnology, climate, quality of life for the handicapped population, and transportation. These 'Challenges' are based around such topics so that student participants are exposed to potential career paths within a chosen 'Challenge' topic, in addition to solidifying the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) principles that naturally come from participating in the program. Team members also learn valuable life and employment skills which will benefit them no matter which career path they choose.

The Jefferson  Middle School First Lego Robotics League Team

  • What: "SwagJag" Robotics Team - Build and Program Lego Mindstorm Robots
  • Where: Ms. Merlos' classroom - STEM Lab Room 15
  • When: Every Tuesday 3:15-5:00 p.m. / Competitions are typically on Saturdays from 8am-1pm dependent on the event.
  • Who: Students are invited to try-out for our JMS Robotics team each Fall.  Students who qualify will be invited to join. The Application will be available in early September in the front office and due back to Ms. Merlos by the end of September* See Ms. Merlos or the office for details. 

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How to Join the Team

Robotics Team Requirements:  A total of 40 applications will be accepted and reviewed for the 15 spots available on the team. Students interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are encouraged to join. Our team looks for students who work great with others, have good speaking and presentation skills, maintain positive attitudes, good grades, are willing to learn, and want to have fun!

 

For more information contact Ms. Merlos at merlos-mojica.zobeida@tusd.org 

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Core Value Award 2016

Congratulations to our JMS Robotics Team

Congratulations to Coach Merlos and our JMS Robotics Team for Winning 2nd Place in ‘Core Values’ this weekend in their first competition of the year! Core Values speaks to phenomenal team collaboration…Way to Go Jaguars!