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Maxwell Elementary-Middle School advances to LEGO nationals

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexa Culbert
  • 42d Air Base Wing Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, ALa --  The Maxwell Elementary-Middle School robotics competition team, who call themselves the Double "O" Robots, took second place at the FIRST LEGO League Alabama state competition, held at Grissom High School, Huntsville, Alabama, Jan. 24, 2015, giving them a chance to compete at the national level.  

To be selected as Grand Champion Runner Up, Double "O" Robots, or "OO Robots," had to compete and win against 36 teams.

"This is the sixth year the Maxwell Elementary-Middle School robotics competition team has competed in the competition and the first time a team from the Montgomery, Alabama area has made it to the national level," stated Rebecca Hill, Maxwell Elementary-Middle School gifted education teacher and FIRST LEGO League coach.

Hill explained that the FIRST LEGO League introduces elementary and middle school students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. Team OO Robots consists of sixth- through eighth-grade students, who are military children from Maxwell-Gunter.

"Robotics is usually comprised of only high-performing students, but we incorporate everyone and utilize what they are good at," said Hill. "They come in, build and work as a team and learn what their strengths and weaknesses are."

"The team was a perfect one, it couldn't have been better," said Alexander Azar, seventh-grade student from Maxwell Elementary-Middle School and OO Robots team member. "We all have flaws; in this competition our flaws helped others' strengths. Creative and conventional people were mixed together to do something great."

The FIRST LEGO League is comprised of robotics, programing, research assignments and team-building exercises. It brings different talents together and focuses them on achieving a common goal.

"FLL is an exceptional opportunity for our students to learn critical thinking along with valuable life and employment skills," stated Hill. "This will benefit them no matter which career path they choose." 

Col. Robert May Jr., Air University staff judge advocate, has a son, Josiah, in the seventh grade who participates in the robotics program.

"He's always been interested in technology and computers and this is a way for him to connect with people with similar interests, and he loves working with his teammates," said May.

At the national level, the team will move on to compete in the World Class Open Competition in San Diego, California, at LEGOLAND in May.  According to Hill, the competition will include 80 teams comprised of 10 students each.

Now that OO Robots have advanced to the national level, their focus is now on raising funds.  To compete at the national level, they must raise approximately $10,800 to cover registration fees and other expenses, such as hotel, airfare, team shirts and other necessities.