LEGO competition

On Saturday students participating in the FIRST LEGO League robotics competition will be using a favorite childhood toy for a learning experience.

Held at the University Center on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University, up to 140 students from 9 to 14 years old could participate in the competition, which encourages participants to design LEGO-based robots to address issues that may arise from a natural disaster.

Teams of students from Southeast Missouri and St. Louis are expected to compete, and volunteers will be on hand to help facilitate activities.

Southeast has hosted the FIRST Technology Challenge for the past five years. FIRST is an acronym for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. Southeast Missourian reporter Ruth Campbell reported in a recent feature story about the competition that this LEGO event is an extension of FIRST.

It's encouraging to see students participate in these types of events, which develop creativity and focus on important disciplines such as science and technology. It also can foster a team environment. Thank you to the volunteers who help, and we hope you consider stopping by to watch the students in action. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the closing ceremony will be at 4:15 p.m.