Image: Mackay Lego robotics team The Golden Blocks are holding workshops to fundraise for their upcoming First Lego League Asia Pacific Open Championship Competition campaign. Photos supplied
It has taken plenty of trial and error, hours of dedication and piles of Lego but Mackay’s robotics team The Golden Blocks are getting ready to represent Australia at the First Lego League Asia Pacific Open Championship Competition.
The team recently competed in the National competition and took home first place for the Core Value Award and Robotic Performance Award.
One of the team’s coaches, Maighan Grant, said that the team had to code their robot to complete as many missions as possible in 2.5 minutes.
“In the competition they need to solve missions with their robot and attachments by coding it all,” she said.
“We achieved the highest score in Queensland at North Nationals at the end of November.”
Speaking about the upcoming international competition in June 2023, Ms Grant said that it’s an exciting opportunity for the students.
“They have really learnt a lot so far on this journey including critical thinking, teamwork, presenting, coding, planning and renewable energies,” she said.
“This next opportunity will be a big challenge for everyone but will be so rewarding for the students to grow as individuals.
“It is an honour to represent our country as coaches and team members.”
The community home-school team will compete against many teams supported by education institutions.
To support the students further and raise funds for the next competition, The Golden Blocks will be hosting robotics workshops over the school holidays.
Mrs Grant said the workshops are in partnership with a local Lego education company called Young Engineers Central Queensland.
“The team is excited to share their skills about robotics building and coding with students in the community,” she said.
The robotics workshops are open to 8-12 year old’s and no previous experience is necessary.
More information can be found on The Golden Blocks Facebook page and Eventbrite.
Contributed by Maighan Grant
WHAT: The Golden Blocks Robotics Workshops
WHERE: CQUniversity Ooralea Campus
WHEN: January 3, 6, 18 and 20, 2023
TICKETS: Eventbrite
