Schools are looking to represent Ireland in the international tier of the global STEM competition
Midlands students have been competing at TUS Athlone FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge Regional Finals.
18 teams across five counties including Our Lady's Bower and Coláiste Chiaráin in Athlone battled it out for a coveted spot in the national final in Dublin next month.
Team Garfield from Mercy Secondary School Ballymahon scooped the top prize of ‘Overall Champions’, receiving a trophy crafted entirely from LEGO.
Team Lil Octaves from Stokane National School in Sligo also qualified for nationals.
The aim of the first Lego League Challenge is to promote science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
The winners of the national competition will go on to represent Ireland in the international tier of the global STEM competition in Morocco in May.
"Today's event isn't just about showcasing robotics and innovation. It's about unleashing the creative spirit and problem-solving skills of budding engineers," explained Dr Clodagh Reid
"Through months of preparation and outreach, we've nurtured their enthusiasm for STEM, and today we witnessed it come to life in the arena as well as through their innovation project," Dr Reid continued.
"We've seen these students grow not just as engineers, but as collaborators and innovators," remarked Jane Burns, Director of Education & Public Engagement at TUS Athlone. "Their journey from classroom to competition arena is a testament to the transformative power of STEM education."
"Our mission is not just to impart knowledge but to ignite a passion for STEM in future students. By engaging them in hands-on experiences like FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge, we're not only developing essential skills like coding, design, and research, but we're also shaping the innovators and leaders of tomorrow's workforce," he explains.
Offaly TD Assured Of Increased Garda Presence After Arson Tragedy
Westmeath Woman Says She Will Never Forgive Her Abuser
Westmeath Gang Leader Behind Edenderry Firebomb Attack Jailed
Midlands Childcare Providers Demand Government Talks
Midlands Motorists Warned Amid Difficult Travelling Conditions
New Jobs For Offaly Following Wendy's Announcement
Pedestrian Seriously Injured In Midlands Crash
Laois Rose Praises Support Of Tolu Makay During DWTS Journey
Jazz Festival In Laois Town Returns This Weekend
Offaly County Council Unveil Bat House Project
103 Meter St Brigid's Cloak To Be Unveiled in Westmeath This Sunday
Popular Offaly Charity Walk Returns This Weekend
Laois Councillor Calls For Reduced Reliance On AHB'S
Homelessness Figures In Midlands Fall By 7%
Westmeath Man Who Smothered, Choked And Set Wife On Fire Jailed For Five Years
Boomtown Rats Join Laois Festival Line-Up
Midlands Homelessness Falls 7% In Latest Report
Laois County Council Continuing To Monitor Flooding Situation
Appeal Lodged Against Proposed Midlands Hospice
HSE Midlands Encourages People To Consider All Options This Bank Holiday