BOZEMAN — Montana State University will host robotics competitions for Montana youth on Jan. 17-18, drawing nearly 120 teams from across the state and region.
FIRST Lego League teams, composed of students in grades 4-8, have spent months building and programming robots made from Lego kits and will compete by performing “missions” on pool table-sized playing fields. Students from grades 7-12 compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge with more complex robots in a larger arena. FIRST Lego Junior teams include students in grades K-4.
The events are free and open to the public. FIRST Tech Challenge begins Friday, Jan. 17 with an opening ceremony in Shroyer Gym starting at 9:40 a.m. On Saturday, in Inspiration Hall in the Norm Asbjornson building, FIRST Lego League robot rounds begin at 10 a.m., with a FIRST Lego League Junior showcase at 12:30 p.m.