Captain R. Wilson Public School in Oakville recently welcomed the 2010 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) world champions, Sentinels, which included three students from schools in the Halton District School Board.

The champs proudly displayed their winning robot for the schools’ eager JK-Grade 8 students on September 13, 2011. They showcased their winning robot and shared tips with, and inspired, students.

“It was our hope at Captain R. Wilson to spark the imagination of our students and discover the possibilities of hands-on science and technology,” said Alka Sahai, principal of Captain R. Wilson Public School.

FLL is part of the not-for-profit organization FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), which inspires young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. FLL operates in 61 countries.

Last year’s team members included Michael Catricala of White Oaks Secondary School, Chris Lyons of Kilbride Public School and Jack Enders of Robert Bateman High School.

“Being on the team was a blast,” said Enders, now in Grade 10. “It was a really great experience. It’s a great way to get excited about science and technology. You meet amazing people.”

Each year, FLL chooses an engaging theme which challenges students to look at issues facing scientists and engineers today.

Nearly 200,000 nine-14 year olds from more than 60 countries, including students from Ontario, will participate in the FIRST LEGO League 2011 FOOD FACTOR Challenge to explore the topic of food safety, examine possible points of contamination and invent ways to advance food safety. FLL Regional Tournaments will take place across Ontario in November and December and the provincial championships will take place in January 2012.

The Sentinels' visit was sponsored by Maple Leaf Foods.

For information about robotics competitions, schools can visit www.firstroboticscanada.org.