Archive: Around Town

On Saturday, January 31, from 1:00-3:30 p.m., Ithaca High School's Code Red Robotics FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Team 639 will be at the Junior FIRST Lego League (FLL) Expo in the Duffield Hall Atrium at Cornell University.  FLL is the branch of FIRST designed for children from ages 6 to 9; Code Red mentors four ICSD teams at Enfield, Caroline, Beverly J. Martin, and Belle Sherman elementary schools.

Each year, FIRST releases a problem for each FLL team to address.  After receiving the problem, each team creates a model composed of legos with one motorized part as well as an informational poster describing their model and what they do as a team.  The Junior FLL Expo will feature the work of 27 local teams, all composed of children ages 6-9 working to solve this year's problem, as well as a Code Red Robotics demonstration of their 120-lb robots, and fun activities from the local Sciencenter.

In addition to  both being divisions of the international organization FIRST, Code Red Robotics and FLL teams are connected by the mentors that Code Red provides for local FLL teams.  The mentors are Code Red members who work with the elementary students once per week and inspire them to become the scientists and engineers of the future.  

"Their experiences at FIRST Jr. Lego League inspire children at a young age to approach problems in unique ways. They learn valuable life skills such as teamwork and brainstorming. These children will become the leaders of their generation." says Code Red Robotics Outreach Coordinator and FLL mentor Noa Davis.

Code Red members serve as FLL mentors for four teams in the Ithaca City School District.

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