FIRST Lego League Expo to be Held at William Penn University

William Penn University

Jr. FIRST LEGO® League (Jr. FLL) is a program for children in kindergarten through third grade to learn more about basic engineering, teamwork, communication, and research skills. There are seven teams in Mahaska County and they will showcase all of their hard work and learning at the Jr. FLL Expo on Monday, April 11 between 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the Musco Technology Center on the William Penn University campus. The Jr. FLL season lasts 6–8 weeks long and in that time, participants work with screened volunteer adult coaches and mentors to build a LEGO model with at least one moving part. They also work together to complete research on their team-selected topic.

This year’s Jr. FLL Challenge theme is “Waste Wise”, which encourages members to think about where their trash goes and the importance of recycling. Several teams have had guest speakers visit their meetings or they have gone on field trips to complete their research. Everything the members have learned will be included on their Show Me poster that will be on display during the Expo on April 11. The seven Jr. FLL teams in Oskaloosa are coordinated by Mahaska County 4-H. Each participant has registered and become a member of Clover Kids.

The public is invited and encouraged to stop by the Jr. FLL Expo on April 11 to check out all of the learning that has taken place this season. Teams have been meeting since early February and are excited to showcase all of their hard work. The William Penn Computer Club will be providing $4 meals, which is your choice of a sloppy joe or grilled cheese, fruit or cookie, chips, and a drink. All teams will be recognized at the end of the event with certificates and medals. To learn more about Jr. FLL and the Jr. FLL Expo, please visit www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska, call 641-673-5841, or email vermeera@iastate.edu.