The First LEGO League Showcase at the RSE

The Young Academy of Scotland (YAS) and Lambda Jam warmly invite you to attend a showcase of the internationally popular First Lego League, featuring our special guests, one of our winning teams from 2014: the Burgh Bears from Newburgh Primary School.

We are keen to see enrichment programmes such as FLL grow and be sustainable in Scotland. The reason is simple: enthusing Scotland's next generation about engineering and technology is vital if we are to have a country which thrives. SDS's recent Skills Investment Plans pay testament to that. We believe that FLL is one of the best programmes to nurture the passion and skills needed for a tech savvy, inventive society.

Last year saw YAS and Lambda Jam partner up to run the IET's flagship competition north of the border. It also marked the first ever tournament held outwith Scotland's capital. Three tournaments ignited the imaginations of 250 children from Ayrshire and Aberdeen to Bannockburn and the Borders. To encourage teachers who were apprehensive of the technology we provided training and support throughout, and to mentor the teams and help broaden the participation we established a network of professional engineer mentors. The media coverage and appetite to take part was staggering. A waiting list had to be set up, which grew by the day.

In 2015, we'd like to find a way that everyone who wants to can take part. We want to determine the right model for sustaining and growing this project, and we especially want to reach young people who have fewer opportunities to discover the joys of STEM. We need your support and advice to make this a success.

So please spread the word near and far, and come enjoy an evening of learning robotics from the Newburgh Primary pupils and helping develop a strategy for engaging more young people in engineering and computing.

On the night we would love to hear your thoughts on the following topics:

* Who should be funding initiatives such as FLL?

* How can we broaden participation more?

* What growth is realistic?

On the evening, doors will open at 18.30. There will be robots roaming and a very special appearance from Trevor -- the winner of the 2014 Edinburgh robot game. The schedule for the showcase will be:

18.30: Arrive

18.45: Introduction to FLL

18.55: Burgh Bears Presentation

19.05: Future Plans

19.15: Discussion Topics Introduced

19.30: Wine, canapes and chat

20.00: Close

FAQs

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please email laura@lambdajam.org with any questions related to the evening.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, we will have a list of registered guests.