The Le Grand Elementary School Robotics program competed in The Battle at the Nest, a First Lego League Challenge event tournament hosted by Buchanan High School and the Central Valley Robotics organization in Clovis on Nov. 5.

Le Grand Elementary fielded two teams in the competition where schools display their knowledge and expertise in engineering, coding and real-world problem-solving.

The Le Grand “Gold” Team was awarded first place honors in the Robot Design category by the judges.

The Le Grand Elementary Viking Robotics teams are coached by Math Intervention Specialist Eric Hansen. Students in grades 6-8 begin meeting in August during lunch and after school to prepare for the annual competitions.

“We were all very excited that we won first place in the Robot Design category,” said Hansen. “Our team knew all of the design components very well and was able to share why they designed and engineered the robot the way they did clearly with the judges. I’m very proud of both of our teams.”

Superintendent and Principal Scott Borba emphasized the importance of computer science literacy to the future success of students in today’s world.

“Providing our scholars with opportunities to learn coding, engineering and real-world problem-solving begins in kindergarten at Le Grand Elementary,” said Borba.