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Organized by The Local Beacon and sponsored in part by Rivier, the tournament is a practice competition designed to recreate an official LEGO庐 robotics tournament before New Hampshire teams begin qualifier competition in November. Students will test their robots under tournament conditions, present their engineering work and innovation projects, and gain experience and feedback as they prepare for the competitive season.

LEGO庐 robotics tournaments engage students in coding, engineering, research, and problem-solving. Teams design, build, and program autonomous robots to complete missions on a tabletop competition field, with two and a half minutes to earn as many points as possible during each robot match. Students also explain their robot design and programming and present an innovation project that addresses a real-world problem.

The Southern New Hampshire STEM Tournament will allow teams to experience those elements in a lower-pressure setting while building the skills, familiarity, and confidence needed for official competition. Teams will rotate through robot performance rounds and presentation sessions, while newer coaches will have opportunities to connect with veteran coaches, ask questions, and learn best practices.

High school teams will also participate, demonstrating their robots and mentoring younger students. Participants will also have opportunities to showcase their work to technology professionals, community leaders, public officials, and other guests.

鈥淭he University is excited to welcome these students to campus and give them an opportunity to put their creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork into action,鈥� says Rochelle Andrews, Director of Rivier鈥檚 Office of Career and Life Success. 鈥淓xperiences like this can spark an interest in STEM at an early age and help students see the possibilities that exist for them in science and technology.鈥�

Rivier is a regional leader in STEM education, offering academic programs in Artificial Intelligence, Biology, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity Management, and Information Technology Management. The University is also home to the 36,000-square-foot Science and Innovation Center, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and laboratory spaces for microbiology, chemistry, physics, and environmental research.

The Local Beacon is a nonprofit that develops and facilitates science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and arts initiatives that encourage collaboration and offer educational, enrichment, and financial benefits to the local community, including students, artists, musicians, and local businesses.

鈥淭he tournament focuses on building the next generation of engineers and leaders, bringing collaboration, exploration and resilience to the forefront of student learning,鈥� says Brian Melanson, Founder of The Local Beacon.

The event is free and open to the public in the event space in Memorial Hall. Team activities and rotating competition rounds will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by lunch and a final competition round in the afternoon.