By Coach Karen Wisinski

Three Junior FIRST LEGO League Teams from Hartland Lakes Elementary School rocked the house at the 2011 Snack Attack-themed challenge on Saturday. Each team researched its favorite snack and built a LEGO model over a period of eight weeks. They showed off their hard work to the judges at the Huron Valley Expo at Lakeland High School.

This year’s theme required the teams to research how their favorite snack was prepared and stored so it was safe for eating. Team LEGO Blenders chose fruit shakes, The Doughnut Crushers researched doughnuts, and the LE-GO Bananas Team — LE for Lakes Elementary — learned about their namesake. The LEGO models included moving parts and simple machines. Teams showed off their work through presentation boards and prepared speeches.

Through FIRST LEGO League, kids not only learn the science behind their topic. They also learn how to work as a team to complete a project while flexing their creative muscles and developing leadership skills.

Each team was recognized for their achievements. The Lego Blenders were awarded for their creativity, and The Doughnut Crushers earned kudos for their comprehensive research. The LE-GO Bananas were recognized for their terrific team spirit.

All of the team members come from Lakes Elementary, and the Lakes PTO provided financial support when the program started three years ago. Coaches were Cindy Andersen, Lisa Dietz, Brian Kretz, Brian Simms and Karen Wisinski. 

FIRST is “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.” More information can be found at www.usfirst.org.