Robots in Eberswalde - on the way to Davos

On 24 February, they will compete against each other again: Robots made of LEGO bricks. The FIRST LEGO League Challenge competition under the motto MASTERPIECE will take place on the forest campus of the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE). The finalists will go through to the final of the competition in Davos, Switzerland.

Over the past few weeks, pupils aged between 9 and 16 have each developed an autonomous robot for the FIRST LEGO League Challenge like real teams of engineers. They worked on a topic of their own choice at school. The teams will now present their results in various competition categories to the public on 24 February on the HNEE Forest Campus. An expert jury will judge the robots' presentations and competitions in the fields of robot game, research, robot design, basic values such as enthusiasm and sportsmanship, for special commitment in team coaching and for the best overall performance across all categories. The winning team will travel to the final in Davos.

The First Lego League is a STEM education programme that goes far beyond teaching and experiencing scientific contexts. The young people also develop their teamwork skills and the ability to give a joint presentation to a panel of experts. Teamwork skills play just as important a role as creativity and the quality of their presentation. They also receive direct dialogue and feedback in discussions with the jury.

First Lego League is divided into age-appropriate programmes that teach STEM subjects such as mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology. They work with the familiar LEGO bricks. In addition to technology, the programme focuses on developing communication skills and strengthening social skills. The programme starts with the FIRST LEGO League Discover and is aimed at nursery and pre-school children aged 4 to 6. They discover science and technology through play with LEGO DUPLO.

In schools, First Lego League can be used in lessons, although the programme is not linked to the competitions.

This competition is organised and run by the association Jugend trifft Technik e.V. (JUT e.V.) from Schwedt/Oder in cooperation with the university.

Jugend trifft Technik e.V.

The Jugend trifft Technik e.V. association promotes practice-orientated youth work with the aim of strengthening knowledge and skills in the fields of technology, IT, media, natural sciences, mathematics and crafts. We work to increase enthusiasm for technology among children and young people in Berlin and Brandenburg and support working groups at schools and other institutions and organise events and competitions. The non-profit organisation was founded in July 2018 and has 46 volunteer members.