Youth innovators from across the region took center stage at Southeast Missouri State University for the Unearthed FIRSTS LEGO League (FLL) Challenge, a celebration of hands-on STEM learning and community creativity. As part of the University’s ongoing effort to foster experience-driven learning at every age, ten teams of 4th–8th graders gathered on campus to explore archaeology, uncover the past, and use STEM skills to solve real-world problems.
FIRST LEGO League, part of the global nonprofit FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), introduces youth to the fundamentals of engineering, research and teamwork using LEGO®-based robotics. Through hands-on exploration, students learn to design, build and program robots while embodying FIRST’s Core Values—discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork and fun. A key principle of the program is “gracious professionalism,” which promotes high-quality work, recognition of others, and respect for individuals and the community.
Core Values Award
Presented to the team that best demonstrates enthusiasm, teamwork, respect, and support for their peers.
- Team 73080 – Explosive Waffles from Jackson, MO
Innovation Project Award
Awarded for outstanding research, creative problem-solving, community engagement, and a strong understanding of the science behind the project theme.
- Team 65081 – LEGO Eggos from Jackson, MO
Robot Design Award
Recognizes excellence in mechanical design, programming, innovation, and strategic problem-solving during judging sessions.
- Team 72784 – JR2- East Crystal Coders from Jackson, MO
Robot Performance Award
Given to the team earning the highest score during the robot game, where teams complete archaeology-themed missions on 8-by-4-foot competition fields.
- Team 65081 – LEGO Eggos from Jackson, MO
Champion’s Award
The top honor, the Champion’s Award, recognizes teams that best embody the FIRST LEGO League Challenge experience by excelling across all areas—including robot design, robot performance, research, and Core Values.
- First place: Team 62261 – The D.I.R.T. from Jackson, MO
- Second place: Team 57069 – Trowel & Error from Jackson, MO
These two champions earned invitations to advance to the Missouri Regional FLL Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, on Jan. 17.
As a host site for youth robotics events, STEM camps and school partnerships, SEMO serves as a regional hub for hands-on discovery and early exposure to science and engineering. These experiences allow SEMO faculty and students to support young learners, build mentorship connections and inspire future Redhawks to pursue STEM fields.
FIRST in our region has competitions at both the grade school (FIRST LEGO League) and high school levels (FIRST Tech Challenge) and are open to teams with any association, including public and private schools, home-school groups, and civic organization. Those interested in starting a team can get more information from FIRST in Missouri at info@firstinmissouri.org.
To learn more about all things STEM at SEMO, visit semo.edu/stem.