CHINA GROVE — Several Southeast Middle School students can add “Lego builder extraordinaire” to their list of accomplishments.
The group walked away with first place in the Rowan-Salisbury School System’s first Lego Build the Change challenge held at Carson High School.
They used Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills honed through the use of Lego Mindstorm robotics system to compete in four different changes based on “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss.
Students from Corriher-Lipe placed second and those from Knox finished third in the challenge.
Elementary students spent about eight weeks gearing up for the event, using Lego Wedo robotics in their every day curriculum to promote creativity, innovation and critical thinking.
The students then programed and developed a model to interpret a Dr. Seuss book of their choice.
Awards were given in a variety of categories.
Millbridge took home the prize for teamwork, Knollwood won the Picasso, Morgan was awarded for synergy, Landis ruled for its explosive ideas, Shive was the top programmer, Bostian walked away with the amazing moment prize and Isenberg received the Lil Einstein award.
During the event, family and community members worked together to build the Library of the Future.
School officials plan to host the Lego Build the Change event annually.