Pupils have building blocks for success with Lego robot

Published on Monday 28 December 2009 09:42

PUPILS at a city school have been building their way to success with a robot created entirely from Lego.

The group of primary six pupils at Duddingston Primary designed and built the latest high-tech edition to their school as part of a project to get them interested in science.

Affectionately named Duddy Cybernetics, the robot was created for the first Lego League Tournament in Scotland, which took place at Edinburgh University's School of Informatics.

Judges were so impressed by the school's robot that the pupils have been invited to the British final in Loughborough next month.

Whilst building the structure, pupils learned more about science and technology as well as developing their creative skills.

Judges thought that the pupils showed excellence in every category, including robot performance, robot design, teamwork and project presentation.

Anne Macdonald, the youngsters' teacher, said: "This has been an extremely exciting opportunity for the pupils. The children had to build and programme their own Lego robot to carry out a variety of tasks as well as prepare and present a research project on the theme of 'smarter transport'.

"The whole process was very active and hands-on, children had to develop high levels of team work skills as well as an understanding of the technical aspects of manipulating the robot."

Mairi Fraser, a P6 pupil, added: "It was great fun, but very nerve-wracking because there were so many teams taking part and quite a lot of them were high schools!

"We were really happy that we won. We've got a really cool Lego trophy in our trophy cabinet at school now."

Invented in 1934 by the Dane Ole Kirk Christiansen, it is estimated the world's children spend 5 billion hours a year playing with Lego bricks.

Morna Findlay, of Edinburgh University's school of informatics, who organised the event, said: "The university is delighted to host the Scottish round of the Lego League Challenge.

"This event gives children the chance to work across the curriculum, developing research and teamwork skills as well as getting involved in hands-on science, and then to show off their achievements at the final tournament."