Michigan —Challenge, intrigue, unexpected turns and twists, suspense! No, this isn’t a television program. These are all things that students involved in Lego robotics find when they are given a challenge to solve.

In a Lego Robotics Challenge, students are given a problem and asked to build a robot to solve that problem. Beginning with the RCX “Brick” which is the main control, students add motors, sensors, gears, wheels, treads, arms, and other items to build robots that accomplish the tasks before them. Then, with the help of team mates, the robot is connected to a computer by an infrared connection and programmed using a simple graphical, drag-and-drop system to tell it what to do.

Last year I started exploring how to get more schools involved in Lego robotics. I began by planning and conducting a one-week Lego Robotics Challenge training for teachers to be held at Camp Au Sable. When Garry Sudds, Lake Union Conference associate superintendent of education, heard about the plans, he was excited and offered to help financially and to get teachers involved from all across the Lake Union. As a result of the training provided last summer, more schools are now using Lego robotics to teach physics, engineering, math, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Lego Robotics Challenges have been around for over five years, but many Adventist small schools and home schools found it difficult to participate due to the size of teams needed, the cost (about $200 for a kit), and Sabbath observance. Now for the first time, a Lego league specifically designed for Adventist schools, home schools, and Pathfinder clubs is underway.

With support from the Lake Union and North American Division offices of education, the Michigan Conference information technology department is launching the Adventist Lego League. The Adventist Lego League will provide opportunities for participation for students from the first grade though college and university, thereby linking our elementary, secondary, and university systems to accomplish a common goal.

The first North American Division Adventist Lego League Challenge will take place, Monday, May 3, at Andrews University. Details and information about the league and the challenge can be found at www.adventistlegoleague.net.

Mel Wade, Michigan Conference information technology director