Comet Bay to host Lego League

More than 280 students from Perth’s southern suburbs will take part in the First Lego League competition on Saturday, hosted by Comet Bay College.

The First Lego League is a worldwide phenomenon that sees young people aged nine to 16 research, design, build and program autonomous robots in a competitive challenge.

Three events will be held in WA with Curtin University and St Stephen’s School in Carramar also hosting competitions.

Comet Bay College has two teams competing and other teams from schools in the area will participate on adjacent tables to score as many points as possible.

Points are given for robot performance, programming innovation and clever design.

Comet Bay College associate principal Phil Casas said points are also awarded for the project component of the competition.

The project component involves students studying this year’s theme, which is water and developing solutions to problems they have identified in their society.

“The students have to think about how they can help society and develop solutions to real-world problems,” Mr Casas said.

Mr Casas said Comet Bay’s involvement in the competition is based on the school's vision that a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education offered a rich context for developing skills such as independent thinking and critical analysis.

Throughout the competition, teams are also judged on their adherence to core values, including teamwork.

The November 11 event will have a carnival-like atmosphere with music and competitors dressed up in costumes.

Qualifying teams from the WA competitions progress to the Australian tournament in December where they could qualify to compete at an international level.

The First Lego League opening ceremony will begin at 9.30am at Comet Bay College Gym.

For more information visit http://cometbaycollege.wa.edu.au.