Each year, FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO® League Jr. presents a new and exciting challenge aimed at igniting children’s creativity. For 2018-2019, that theme is MISSION MOONSM, which challenges students to think about space in ways they never have before.

Over the past few months, Long Island elementary school students, ages six to 10 years old, have identified problems that may arise for humans attempting to live on the moon. Just like astronomers, they have thought of solutions to big questions such as what they would eat and drink, how they would breathe, and what they would do for fun. While researching these questions, students have also designed and created LEGO rocket ships and moon bases. Students will present their research and creations with a “Show Me” poster at a series of three Long Island expos taking place as follows:

• Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 a.m. – Mineola High School
• Saturday, March 2 at 12:30 p.m. – Mineola High School
• Sunday, March 3 at 7:30 a.m. – Longwood High School

This will be the 11th year that FIRST LEGO League Jr. has enabled elementary school students on Long Island to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). In addition, 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of the SBPLI Long Island Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. FIRST’s history and long-lasting impact on Long Island will be honored at all events this year.

“Students have had so much fun while working on this challenge and have also learned a lot,” says Eileen Kaler, Co-Director, FIRST LEGO League Jr. “It is so inspiring to see kids get excited about STEM at such a young age! They are thrilled to show off their creations and all they have learned about space.”

For more information on SBPLI or the FIRST LEGO League Jr., please visit www.sbpli-lifirst.org.