STEM FIRST Lego League Teams Capture Awards
February 8, 2023
Teams of Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School fifth and sixth graders thrived at last weekend’s FIRST Lego League regional qualifying competition in the Huntington High School gym
The two Jack Abrams School teams vied against talented foes from schools across Long Island. The theme of this year’s competition is Superpowered with a special focus on “improving our energy journey.”
“The teams had to design, build and program a Lego robot to complete various energy saving missions on the game board,” said teacher Jessica Martino, who leads Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School’s Innovation Lab program. “There were many friends and family that came to support both teams. Our teams had a large cheering squad on both days which made it all the more fun.”
Each of the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School teams presented its innovation project and model before a panel of judges, explaining how their respective idea would improve Huntington’s “energy journey.”
It was an incredibly exciting and enjoyable weekend, with dozens of teams from the region coalescing in the spirit of coopertition’ and FIRST Lego League fun
“The sixth-grade team created a model of a funneling system that is placed inside of a gutter to collect rainwater and convert it into energy for the home,” Ms. Martino explained. “The fifth-grade team built a model of a rotating solar panel and explained through the form of a skit how having solar panels that rotate on our schools would decrease our use of fossil fuels more than static solar panels.”
“It was an incredibly exciting and enjoyable weekend, with dozens of teams from the region coalescing in the spirit of coopertition’ and FIRST Lego League fun,” Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “Teams showed off their programming and research skills, as well as the solid STEM foundation they have built as a result of their participation and effort. We were thrilled to host the tournament in Huntington.”
Both of the two Huntington teams captured the FIRST Lego League’s Core Values Award for displaying “gracious professionalism.” District technician Christopher Deveau volunteered his time assisting Ms. Martino with the two teams.
“We are tremendously proud of our teams for getting this award,” Ms. Martino said.
The fifth and sixth graders are equally proud of what they were able to accomplish in the high school gym against many of the best and brightest young people on Long Island.
“The Jack Abrams STEM fifth and sixth grade teams left it all out there,” Mr. Polansky said. “We are beyond proud of what they accomplished together! Thank you Ms. Martino and Mr. Chris for their time, energy and support. Additional thanks to the many FIRST volunteers who help make these opportunities available to our students every year.”
