A team of Middle School students from University School of Milwaukee won the FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge state championship on Jan. 19, and also won the Championship Award. The team, named World Whales, advanced to state after strong showings at both regional and sectional competitions. They will be traveling to Houston in April for the championship competition.
“The state competition was an exhausting 12 hours, but the team networked with many other strong teams and learned from their judges,” said 8th grade science teacher and robotics coach Nicola De Torre. “We are so proud of the team and excited for our next adventure!” De Torre twice earned the Coach’s Award, at both the regional and sectional competition.
Team World Whales members are Viraj Kamath ’29, Sophie Kouklin ’29, Ben Raphael ’30, and
Sam Yuan ’29.
As part of their FIRST LEGO League project, team World Whales needed to research a problem that correlated with this year’s theme of exploring the oceans. After considering several potential projects, Sam Yuan ’29 presented his teammates with an idea—creating a non-toxic sunscreen—which the students spent several months developing. In addition to the sunscreen, they also had to design, build, and code a robot capable of completing missions and competing against robots from other FIRST teams across the region.
About FIRST LEGO League
FIRST LEGO League introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children in a variety of age levels 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.
Every year, FIRST LEGO League releases a new challenge based on a real-world, scientific theme. This year’s challenge is called SUBMERGEDâ„ and invites teams to use creative thinking and LEGO technology to explore the layers of the ocean and bring their learnings and ideas to the surface.
Many thanks to the following individuals who served as team coaches: Nicola De Torre, 8th grade science teacher; Matthew Gagnier, PK–8th academic technology coordinator; Ivana Renteria, Middle School librarian; and Ryan Bruce, parent volunteer.