It’s never too early to discover and start learning about STEM.
Two Westmoreland teams consisting of students ages 6 to 10, competed in the FIRST LEGO League Jr. Expo at SUNY Poly in Marcy on March 16.
FIRST LEGO League Jr. is designed to introduce younger students to STEM (science-technology-engineering-math), while exciting them through the use of a popular tool they know and love - - LEGO blocks. The program focuses on building interest in STEM with a real-world challenge to be solved by research, critical thinking and imagination. 
A new challenge that focuses on a specific scientific topic is released to teams each year in early August. Teams then begin a journey of discovery to learn all they can about the topic, eventually building models using LEGO Education WeDo 2.0. The journey culminates with an expo, where teams present the models and “Show Me” posters to display their findings and what they have learned.
This year’s challenge, “MISSION MOON,” asked teams to design and build a moon base and explain how humans would live there. In the research phase and as they create their posters and models, teams are guided by the FIRST Core Values:
Discovery – we explore new skills and ideas. Innovation – we use creativity and persistence to solve problems. Impact – we apply what we learn to improve our world. Inclusion – we respect each other and embrace our differences. Teamwork – we are stronger when we work together. Fun – we enjoy and celebrate what we do.
The expo is a great way for students to celebrate their hard work, have fun, make new friends and be exposed to ideas that will enhance their lives for years to come.
“Participating in FIRST LEGO League Jr. is an opportunity for students to solve real world problems,” Mrs. Riggles, who coached one of Westmoreland’s teams, said. “Attending the expo is an amazing experience where they can share with a bigger community their ideas about solutions to these problems.”
Team “The Imagination Building Explorers" and Team “Lunar Adventurers" represented Westmoreland at the expo held at SUNY Poly. They were coached by Mr. Cardillo, Mrs. Bevins, Mrs. Riggles and Ms. Reynolds.
Team “Lunar Adventurers” won the Picasso Award.
Team “The Imagination Building Explorers” won the Solid-as-a-Rock Model Design Award.
“It’s such a rewarding experience seeing their faces glow as they march in the Opening Ceremony of the LEGO Robotics competition and their pride as they share all their hard work with their families and other students,” Mrs. Riggles added. “These are moments that will not be forgotten.”
The expo also featured older students competing in the FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition, giving younger students something to aspire to and motivating them to stay involved in the FIRST program.