Grades 5-8Instructors: Teresa Harmala, Brett Salmen, John Barberg, Patrick Schuette FIRST LEGO League Challenge is a global robotics program that engages students in hands-on STEM experiences. Teams design, build, and program an autonomous LEGO SPIKE PRIME robot to complete themed missions in the Robot Game, while also tackling a real-world problem in the Innovation Project. Each season is rooted in FIRST Core Values—teamwork, inclusion, and discovery—and concludes with a regional competition. This year’s theme, UNEARTHED™, invites teams to explore archaeology. Students will research, prototype, test, and share creative solutions inspired by the field, blending science, coding, and engineering. Team members typically practice once a week to prepare for the following judged areas: Core Values:Teamwork, inclusion, and gracious professionalism. Robot Design & Programming: Engineering process and strategy behind robot creation. The Robot Game: Robots compete in three 2.5-minute matches to complete missions and earn points. The Innovation Project: Research, propose, and present a solution to a real-world problem. A regional tournament is held between late-Nov and mid-Dec. on a Saturday or Sunday, depending on tournament selection, which happens in early Oct. It is the parent's responsibility to transport their child to competitions. In year's past this event has been held in Alexandria in mid-December. For questions visit their website: firstlegoleague.org. Preseason Practice: Monday, August 25 • 6:30–8:00 PM (Optional; build mission models—parents encouraged to help) Parent/Student Info Meeting: Monday, September 8 • 7:00–8:30 PM • HS Robotics Room (Door C)