The Integrated Arts Academy’s (IAA) First LEGO League team, “Slay Submerged,” secured a spot at the 2024–2025 Vermont State Championship following a strong showing at a regional competition this past weekend. In addition to designing and programming their robots, these fourth and fifth graders researched Sea Star Wasting Disease—also known as “The Zombie Disease”—with guidance from University of Vermont Professor Melissa Pespeni and Ph.D. candidate Sarah Stover. Their prepared presentation on this topic contributed to their overall success.
The upcoming State Championship will be held on January 18, 2025, at GlobalFoundries’ Essex Junction facility. Hosted by GlobalFoundries in collaboration with the nonprofit FIRSTinVermont, the event is part of the FIRST LEGO League program, which encourages students in grades 4–8 to engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The “Slay Submerged” team’s advancement marks a meaningful achievement for IAA’s growing emphasis on STEM education.
Congratulations!
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