Yesterday, Newton’s award-winning high-school robotics team, the LigerBots, hosted a FIRST Lego League (FLL) qualifying tournament at Newton North High School for 34 FLL teams of students in Grades 4-8 from all over eastern Massachusetts, including eight teams based in Newton. From 9AM to 2PM, teams competed in robot matches and research presentations based on this year’s FLL theme, City Shaper (see video), after which there was a dance party and an award ceremony. Judges scored the teams on their design, research project, and robot performance. Eleven teams — including Newton’s Roaming Rovers, City Snakes, and Day Dragons — were awarded “golden tickets” to advance to the state championship. The LigerBots also hosted a Maker Fair, where students of all ages could see and interact with local STEAM experts and have hands-on experience applying science and engineering skills and concepts.

On December 14, the LigerBots will again host the Eastern Massachusetts FLL Championship tournament at Newton North HS, with more teams and more fun!  That event will include a Maker Fair with local companies, more hands-on activities, and a Girl Scouts STEAM workshop. It’s all free and open to the public.