WSU Hosts Youth Robotics Competitions

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University’s College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology will host two robotics challenges for K-12 students Feb. 1 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms, and Feb. 22 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Swenson Gymnasium. The events are free and open to spectators.

FIRST® LEGO® League: Feb. 1

Fifty teams of students in fourth through eighth grades from across northern Utah will compete in a robot-design and project challenge at the FIRST® LEGO® League Utah North State Championship on Feb. 1. One team will advance to the FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas.

For the robot-design competition, teams build and program a robot to navigate and solve a series of challenges autonomously. Students must show judges how they programmed and designed their robot.

Architects, engineers and urban planners inspired this year’s project challenge, which focuses on designing and constructing practical, sustainable and beautiful spaces for a variety of needs. Each team will research a problem with a community building or a space and propose a solution to a panel of judges. 

“FIRST competitions are an exciting and valuable experience for students to engage with a team and learn positive, beneficial life skills,” said Dana Dellinger, Center for Technology Outreach director. “It gives them an opportunity to learn how to perform under pressure and present projects in clear and interesting ways with professionalism and good sportsmanship.”

FIRST Tech Challenge: Feb. 22

The FIRST Tech Challenge Utah State Championship on Feb. 22 is a robotics competition for students in seventh through 12th grades. Thirty-six teams from Utah, Idaho and Colorado will compete for two spots at the FIRST World Championship in Austin, Texas.

Teams are responsible for designing, building and programming robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge. In addition, students who participate will learn skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, fair competition and respect.

“We know that 89% of FIRST alumni are in a STEM field as a student or professional,” Dellinger said. “This shows that participation in programs such as FIRST Tech Challenge encourages students to explore the STEM fields. It also teaches them skills in coding, engineering and problem solving.”

About FIRST

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) is recognized as the leading, non-profit STEM engagement program for kids worldwide. FIRST’s goal is to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology while encouraging them to consider education and careers in STEM fields. For more information, visit firstinspires.org 

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:

Shaylee Stevens, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948 •  shayleestevens@weber.edu

Contact:

Dana Dellinger, Center for Technology Outreach director
801-626-7552 • danadellinger@weber.edu