DAVENPORT, IOWA (September 21, 2022) — Students, coaches, mentors, and parents will attend the annual kickoff event of the FIRST LEGO League season at the Putnam Museum and Science Center on Saturday, September 24. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) organization with more than 650,000 students internationally and a vibrant presence in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.
This year’s challenge, “SUPERPOWERED,” asks students to focus on energy. They’ll explore the ways in which energy is essential to our lives and consider where energy comes from, how it’s generated, how it’s distributed, and how much is being used.
Sponsored by the Putnam Museum and Science Center and the Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC), those gathered will be treated to exhibits and demonstrations throughout the morning that explore energy and encourage participants to imagine a better energy future. Several electric vehicles and solar vehicles will be on display allowing students to explore current technology as an alternative and progressive idea of power. “The display, presentations, and professionals on hand will inspire kids to be creative while exploring wide-ranging ideas about energy,” says Steve Mielenhausen, Interim Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Putnam.
Also at the event will be keynote speaker and FIRST LEGO League Program Director Kim Wierman. Comprehensive breakout sessions will further help prepare students, coaches, and teams for the season.
“Our partnership with the Quad Cities Engineering and Science Council is a great example of the power of collaboration in the STEM community. . . and FIRST LEGO League is one of the hallmarks of our success. The expertise, volunteers, and connections in industry that QCESC represents all come together in this exciting event serving area youth interested in STEM careers,” says Rachael Mullins, President and CEO of the Putnam Museum and Science Center.
Susan Eckert, QC FIRST LEGO League Kickoff Event Coordinator and Iowa FIRST Senior Mentor, says that “FIRST Robotics consistently builds strong technical and non-technical skills for youth, putting them ahead of their peers and making them workforce ready, regardless of the career they choose. Every child is welcome on a FIRST team!”
The kickoff event is Saturday, September 24, 8:30AM–12:45PM, with registration beginning at 8AM. The event is FREE and provides participants a fun, interactive way to meet other teams, learn together, and share key FIRST LEGO League Challenge information leading to better experiences and successes for the season. For more information and to register, visit: https://qcesc.org/quad-cities-first-lego-league-teamkickoff/.
About the Putnam: The Putnam Museum brings to life a sense of place, time, and purpose to ignite human potential and inspire our diverse community to learn about and care for our world and all its people. For more than 150 years, guests have experienced the Putnam’s permanent exhibits ranging from Unearthing Ancient Egypt to our family-favorite science galleries, as well as an array of programs and internationally-recognized traveling exhibits. The Putnam is dedicated to helping guests discover and explore in a friendly and engaging atmosphere, including wheelchair-access throughout the museum and theater, sensory-friendly maps and backpacks, and wheelchairs available to borrow upon request. For more information about events, exhibits, and accessibility visit putnam.org.
About Quad City Engineering and Science Council: The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) is an umbrella organization representing approximately thirty technical societies in the Quad City area with approximately 5,000 associated members on a mission to promote and support engineering, science, and technical professionals and associated societies in Quad City Region and To Encourage and support students to study in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)-related fields.
