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FIRST® Programs Challenge Students to Explore Sustainability at Early AgeFIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an international, K-12 not-for-profit organization founded to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology, announced that the 2015-2016 FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®) and Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL®) seasons task students to discover the hidden (or not so hidden) world of trash. "Children who learn to think critically and creatively about environmental issues like trash and recycling will be more equipped to take on the complexity of an environmental issue in the future," said Jennifer DuBuisson, senior manager of Environmental Sustainability, LEGO®. "By educating children at an early age on the behavior changes they can make within their homes, schools and communities, as well as increasing their understanding of the consequences of their own actions, we can make a significant positive impact." For the FLL TRASH TREKSM and Jr.FLL WASTE WISESM Challenges, FIRST collaborated with experts in the fields of waste management and sustainability including representatives of the EPA, Waste Management, LEGO, Clean Harbors, among other specialists to create a theme and challenge missions that reflect today's waste problems and solutions. "The real-world challenges presented each year by FIRST LEGO League and Junior FIRST LEGO League allow children to engage in issues facing the world around them and identify a solution - all while honing their STEM skills, working as a team, and having fun," said FIRST President Donald E. Bossi. "This year, the topic of waste has global ramifications but also allows for examination and exploration at the local level - in children's communities and even their own homes."
FIRST LEGO League and Junior FIRST LEGO League are two of four K-12 robotics programs within the Progression of Programs at FIRST®. The organization offers a progression of four international, after-school STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs for students in K-12. Currently in its eighteenth year, FIRST LEGO League anticipates its largest season ever, with approximately 29,000 teams competing in hundreds of Qualifying Tournaments and Championship Tournaments. Teams will also have the opportunity to participate at the FIRST LEGO League World Festival, to be held in conjunction with the FIRST Championship, April 27-30, 2015, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. About FIRST® Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $22 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC® ) for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC (News - Alert)® ) for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL® ) for Grades 4-8; and Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL®) for Grades K-3. Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org. ABOUT THE LEGO GROUP The LEGO Group is a privately held company based in Billund, Denmark. The company is still owned by the Kirk Kristiansen family who founded it in 1932. The LEGO Group is engaged in the development of children's creativity through playing and learning. Based on the world-famous LEGO® brick, the company today provides toys, experiences and teaching materials for children in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit www.LEGO.com. FIRST® and the FIRST® logo are registered trademarks of the United States Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST®). LEGO® and MINDSTORMS® are registered trademarks of the LEGO Group. FIRST® LEGO® League, FLL®, Junior FIRST® LEGO® League, Jr.FLL®, FLL TRASH TREKSM, and Jr.FLL WASTE WISESM are jointly held trademarks of FIRST and the LEGO Group. ©2015 FIRST and the LEGO Group. All rights reserved.
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