NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium Sponsors LEGO Robotics Workshops and Tournament

Through a grant from the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium, Dr. Meri Cummings will be offering three robotics workshops for educators and youth group leaders throughout the state as well as the annual state robotics tournament.

The first workshop, which will focus on the 2009 Smart Move! FIRST LEGO League tournament challenges, will be held Sept. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Center for Educational Technologies^® at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling.

A second workshop is set for Nov. 19-21 at the West Virginia Science Teachers Association conference at Glade Springs Resort in Daniels.

An additional LEGO robotics workshop may be requested when you gather a group of 10 or more interested educators, parents, or youth group leaders. (We can publicize the workshop to help you reach the required number of participants if you're close.) Return here for future workshop listings. E-mail Meri Cummings or call her at 304-243-2499 to schedule a workshop in your area.

The Center for Educational Technologies will host the West Virginia FIRST LEGO League robotics tournament Dec. 19. The theme of this year's tournament is Smart Move! and involves students researching transportation problems and solutions. This tournament is for teams of 3-10 youth ages 9-14. To learn the details about this tournament, visit the FIRST LEGO League. National tournament registration opens May 1 and runs through September, or until all slots are filled.

Volunteer tournament judges, referees, and photographers are always needed (you bring the enthusiasm, we supply the training!).