A group of Thomas County first graders at Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School have kicked off their Lego League after-school program under the leadership of teacher Robin Binion. Six students were chosen to participate on the team by applications based on behavior, academics, and attendance. Fellow teachers Suzanne Barrett, Lynn Burton, Vicki Warren, and Britain Pyle also sponsor Lego League teams that participate in the FIRST LEGO League Explore program.   

Sessions include working as a team to complete a Lego project.  “We talk a lot about team-work!” said Binion.  

The “team journey” includes: exploring the challenge; learning about Core Values; exploring, creating, testing, and sharing through the sessions; creating the team model; designing a team poster; and celebrating at an event. 

The theme for 2021-2022 is CARGO CONNECT.  First the teammates think of ideas for different ways to transport cargo. They explore how cargo is transported to places all over the world. Then they create a team model showing how cargo is sorted and transported to its destinations. Lastly, the team shares their ideas, team model, and what the team has learned with others.

Competitions begin with elemFIRST® LEGO® League which introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children ages 4-16 through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem solving experience through a guided, global robotics program, helping today's students and teachers build a better future together (firstinspires.org).