LEGO League & Tech Challenge bring robotics, teamwork and fun to 3rd-8th graders

Practicing the fundamentals of engineering and robotics might not sound very interesting to an eight year old. They would probably prefer to be playing with LEGOs or hanging out with friends. However, thanks to the innovative minds of FIRST Robotics, over 72 Ferndale Upper Elementary students can do all three as part of FIRST LEGO League (FLL).

Ferndale Upper Elementary has hosted a LEGO robotics program for its students since 2016 as part of FIRST Robotics hands-on STEM learning program. This year, nine parent-led teams are gearing up for competition in engineering and robotics challenges using LEGOs.

In the Explore League, 24 3rd grade students are focusing on a collaborative research project. Spread across three teams, students work together to research a real world problem and design a solution, while building and practicing motorization and coding skills together.

Our 4th-5th grade students enter the Challenge league, which mirrors more advanced FIRST programs featured in our high school and middle school. On our five teams, 47 total students practice coding and construction as well as FIRST Core Values including teamwork and inclusion to complete a robotics game. Teams also develop solutions to their own real-world problem with an Innovation Project.

Community Supported

Maisson Fennig teaches 4th grade at FUEL and coordinates the LEGO League. “It’s so cool. The kids get so excited about it!” Gathering over 18 parents to support this program is no easy feat, and Maisson depends on parent leadership from people like Nick Kokotovich. Nick works in Advanced Electric Vehicle Development for GM, so he sees the real-world value in teaching these skills to our students. He has been an ambassador for the program since 2019, and he currently has three children (3rd, 6th, 8th grades) all participating in FIRST Robotics programs in Ferndale Schools. “I feel like I would be letting the kids down if I didn't help, but sometimes I find a bit of fun in it, too,” Nick told us.

Without these parent advocates, the program might have disappeared in 2020 when Distance Learning required the shut down of hands-on collaboration like this. Nick says, “We were down to two parents—myself and Kristy Stoll—leading one team in 2021. By the next year, we had 56 kids participating.” Part of this recovery is advocacy, but the fun and excitement generated by LEGO League is contagious. Jamilya Goree M. Ed, ATR was hesitant to take on the role when her son, William, needed another coach for his 4th grade team. Jamilya is a Registered Art Therapist with 20 years of teaching experience in Detroit Public Schools, but coding and programming was outside of her skill set. “[Challenge] teams are no joke! I am extremely fortunate to have been partnered up with a fabulous parent. We play to our strengths as leaders and teach the team to do the same...This is now our 2nd year together and loving it!” When asked what she loves about co-coaching, Jamilya says, “Time with our kids, meeting other wonderful kids and their families. Watching these amazing minds at work is such a humbling experience. I think my co-coaching has helped my son develop friendships that may not have otherwise developed. It really strengthens the community to connect with kids and families outside of your circle.”

Opportunities for Advancement

The FMS Robotics team is growing too, with three teams in the FIRST Tech Challenge. That growth is also supported by parents and students! Logan Stoll was on one of the first LEGO League teams in 2016 and the founding FMS team in 2017 with coaching support from his mother, Kristy. He is now co-captain of the Impi Warriors at FHS, preparing for a future in Engineering. “The things I am doing here and the feelings I get from making something real from our own ideas have been really impactful on me. The engineers that I’ve gotten to know as my mentors model the people who I want to be like." Logan was even able to tour an automation facility of Valiant TMS with a team mentor, Doug Lake; seeing firsthand what he could be capable of if he continues his education in robotics. "This isn’t something that is going to end after I graduate.”

Logan also says, while the robotics pipeline at Ferndale Schools is a fantastic experience, its not essential for anyone interested in FIRST robotics. He says his teammates and their mentors are very welcoming to new participants with little or no experience in all areas, from coding to machining and construction to impact communications. “There is opportunity to learn.”