Two participants from 2025 modify their Lego robot to solve more challenges. Photo courtesy of Playing at Learning

 

ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) – Middle-schoolers on Nov. 15 will test their skills in science, technology, engineering and math at a Lego and coding tournament here.

The First Lego League – Challenge Qualifying Tournament starts at 8 a.m. at Pleasant Grove High School, 9531 Bond Road, and lasts until 6 p.m.

“Anyone can come by and check it out,” said Jill Wilker, CEO of the nonprofit Playing at Learning, which is hosting the event. It is free for spectators.

The event has been held for the past 14 years or more in Elk Grove, except perhaps during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilker said. It’s a way for children to learn more about robotics, according to Playing at Learning, which is based in Northern California. 

Dozens of youths will show off their technical skills, teamwork and creativity using basic coding and custom-built Lego models.

“The robots are always fun to watch,” Wilker told the Elk Grove Citizen.

Each year participants build a robot and do a project, she said. And each year participants explore a theme, which is biodiversity this year, Wilker said. Last year the theme was archeology, she said.

Teams of participants show off their engineering knowledge and months of research to tournament reviewers. Playing at Learning calls the event an “intensive, exciting science fair.”

The competition is accompanied by music and an announcer, Wilker said.

“It’s very fast-paced,” she said. “Very up-tempo and high energy.”

Robots complete challenges autonomously and via controllers in the hands of participants.

The tournament gives participants the opportunity to use STEM to solve real-world problems, resulting in displays of motorized Lego designs and posters showing the participants’ creative process.

“We are excited to bring this tournament to the Elk Grove community to show how much these young students can achieve when given the right tools,” Wilker said in a statement.

The tournament is a way, she said, for families, local leaders and educators to see the effect of STEM learning.

It changed her son’s ability to grasp things, said Jyothsna Arjula, who is the director this year of the Elk Grove tournament.

“I can see how it groomed my son,” she said, adding that he is doing better in his life.

By learning about coding and robotics when they are young, youth build the confidence needed to succeed in STEM careers, according to Playing at Learning. 

“We hope to inspire more students to join a team and more adults to mentor the next generation of problem-solvers,” Wilker added.

At the tournament, Playing at Learning will have representatives available to answer questions from teachers and parents interested in creating new teams or from people interested in volunteering.

For more information about volunteering, creating a team and attending the festival, please visit playingatlearning.org.