Young masterminds bring Lego to a new level

The First Lego League Qualifier helps elementary and middle school students ages 9 to 14 to design and program robots, cultivate project design ideas, compete, and learn about core values. 17 teams were competing this year from all throughout western South Dakota. Activities were set up for students to prep them for High School level competitions and Staff says dating back to 1998, the event is a way for young people to learn to come together, using their skills to make a difference in society.

Jason Ash, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering at SD School of Mines & Technology, says "They get to learn alot about technology but at the same time, they get to learn about teaming and working together with one another, so they really get to develop professionally as they're going through the middle school program. There's activities for high school students they can participate in and continue that progression."

Teams had the opportunity to win specialty awards and a number of them will take their expertise to the state championship in Sioux Falls at the end of January.