Norwich University will host the annual FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Vermont State Championship on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in Shapiro Field House beginning at 9 a.m. Spectators are welcome.

Founded by Segway inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST® LEGO® League is designed to inspire children in science and technology through the use of robotics. Open to 9 to 14-year-old students around the world, teams are tasked with researching a real-world scientific issue and designing and building an original robot.

The Norwich event on Dec. 10 marks the third year of an independent FLL region in the state of Vermont. With 17 teams of up to 10 students each, along with coaches and parents, there will be much to see throughout the day, and spectators are encouraged to attend. Additionally, 6 Junior FLL teams comprised of elementary school-aged students will be exhibiting their work related to the challenge at an unofficial showcase during the event.

Using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technologies, student teams showcase the results of weeks of intense preparation as they deploy their robots to complete thematic challenges in autonomous robot matches. Teams connect with their local and global communities by using critical thinking, creativity, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM ) concepts to create and present innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

This year’s theme is “Hydrodynamics” and focuses on how we find, transport, use, or dispose of water.

Events are scheduled throughout the day:
• Pre-registered team arrival | 8:00 a.m.
• Opening remarks | 9:00 a.m.
• Judged events start | 9:40 a.m.
• Robot matches start | 1:00 p.m.
• Robot matches conclude | 3:30 p.m. (approximately)
• Awards ceremony | 4:15 p.m. (approximately)

Spectators will also have the opportunity to see demos from Vermont high school robotics teams (FRC) at the competition. Starting at noon, spectators are welcome to visit the on-campus Sullivan Museum & History Center, the state’s only Smithsonian Affiliate, or they may visit water-themed engineering demonstrations in Norwich’s newly remodeled Carrara Family Engineering Lab. The schedule is approximate and subject to change.

After teams check-in, Executive Director at Friends of the Winooski River (a local nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and protection of the Winooski River and its tributaries), Michele Braun, will give opening remarks at 9:00 a.m.

Team presentations begin at 9:40 a.m. and continue through 12:30 p.m. Robot matches begin at 1 p.m. and run throughout the remainder of the event. The day will conclude with an awards ceremony around 4:15 p.m.

For more information, contact the FLL team at FLL@norwich.edu, 802.485.2256.