GSSI Teams Excel at FIRST LEGO League State Tournament

Three Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois robotics teams excelled while competing among 64 teams participating in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Central Illinois State Tournament at University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana on Saturday, January 28. 

FLL is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds which is designed to get children excited about science and technology, as well as teach them valuable life skills. Along with programming robots, teams are also evaluated on an elaborate research project, as well as how well they demonstrate FLL Core Values, which include teamwork, collective learning, active participation and gracious professionalism. After practicing and preparing for months, teams meet at regional qualifying tournaments to be graded on the three elements, with top teams advancing to state competition.

How GSSI teams excelled at the FLL Central Illinois State Tournament: 

GIR! with the Research Award trophy

GIR! from Staunton won the Research Award, which FLL states “recognizes a team that utilizes diverse resources to formulate an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the problem they have identified. 

SWAT next to their presentation board detailing their project. 

SWAT from Troy was a finalist for the Project Award, for their excellent research project. 

Purple Robot Penguins getting ready for the robot game. 

Purple Robot Penguins was a finalist for the Core Values Award, which recognizes teams that exemplify “the fundamental elements that distinguish FIRST LEGO League” and include teamwork, active participation, friendly competition and gracious professionalism.

2016-17 FLL Season in Review

This year, 12 GSSI teams from Albers, Alton, Anna, Belleville, Chester, Mt. Olive, O’Fallon (4), Staunton and Troy participated in FLL robotics. GSSI’s metro-east robotics teams are sponsored by The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, which awarded GSSI a $25,000 grant to support GSSI’s STEM initiatives in Jersey, Macoupin, Madison and St. Clair Counties. This grant is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund focused on strengthening the Greater St. Louis community, where Monsanto Fund and Monsanto Company are headquartered.

See 2016 FLL Photos 

Robotics teams are a vital part of GSSI's commitment to providing engaging science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs to girls in southern Illinois.  Other activities girls can explore includes wiring circuits, exploring forensics, conducting chemistry projects and more.  To ensure that even more girls have the chance to take advantage of these future-building opportunities, GSSI has integrated STEM activities into its outreach programs – which bring Girl Scouting to girls in underserved populations, such as low income neighborhoods, housing projects, rural communities and even detention centers.

About Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Robotics Teams Headed to State Tournament

This Saturday, three Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) robotics teams will compete at the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Illinois State Tournament at University of Illinois in Champaign: GIR! from Staunton, Purple Robot Penguins from O’Fallon and SWAT from Troy. 

FLL is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds which is designed to get children excited about science and technology, as well as teach them valuable life skills. Along with programming robots, teams are also evaluated on an elaborate research project, as well as how well they demonstrate FLL Core Values, which include teamwork, collective learning, active participation and gracious professionalism. After practicing and preparing for months, teams meet at regional qualifying tournaments to be graded on the three elements, with top teams advancing to state competition.

GIR! and SWAT qualified for the state tournament during the regional tournament held Dec. 3 at Henning Elementary School in Troy. In addition, SWAT won Top Table Performance Award and GIR! won the Champion’s Award for their overall top performance. Purple Robot Penguins qualified for the state tournament during the regional tournament held Dec. 10 at Carriel Jr. High in O’Fallon. The team also won the Champions Award. 

"The girls and volunteer coaches headed to state have a lot to be proud of," said GSSI STEM Program Manager Mary Buchanan.  "It takes a lot of dedication and teamwork to compete in FLL,and our teams have all put in time and the effort."  

This year, 12 GSSI teams from Albers, Alton, Anna, Belleville, Chester, Mt. Olive, O’Fallon (4), Staunton and Troy participated in FLL robotics. GSSI’s metro-east robotics teams are sponsored by The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, which awarded GSSI a $25,000 grant to support GSSI’s STEM initiatives in Jersey, Macoupin, Madison and St. Clair Counties. This grant is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund focused on strengthening the Greater St. Louis community, where Monsanto Fund and Monsanto Company are headquartered.

"It's great seeing all the confidence and leadership that the girls build, along with the technical skills that they learn.  Girls from our first year of having a robotics team have been reporting back to us how much these experiences have helped them be better prepared as they get ready for college and their future career paths." 

See 2016 FLL Photos 

Robotics are a vital part of GSSI’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming, which continues to be a progressive and forward-thinking initiative that has grown exponentially in recent years. GSSI has dedicated staff and volunteers who develop the STEM program through research, collaborator cultivation, training and hands-on experience. GSSI strives to offer diverse and high-quality STEM programming, such as simple circuit wiring, programming robots, exploring forensics and more. To ensure that even more girls have the chance to take advantage of these future-building opportunities, GSSI has integrated STEM activities into its outreach programs – which bring Girl Scouting to girls in underserved populations, such as low income neighborhoods, housing projects, rural communities and even detention centers. 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a high-capacity Girl Scout council serving approximately 13,000 girls and almost 4,500 adult volunteers in 40 ½ counties in southern Illinois. Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912. Today, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. is the largest voluntary organization for girls in the world. Its sole focus is to meet the needs of all girls (ages 5-17) from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Today’s Girl Scouts not only enjoy camping and crafts, but they also explore math and science and learn about diversity, good citizenship, leadership and teamwork. Girl Scouting is the place where girls experience the fun, friendship and power of girls together. 

About Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

Three GSSI Robotics Teams Qualify for FIRST LEGO League State Tournament

Three Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) robotics teams have qualified for the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Illinois State Tournament being held Jan. 28 at University of Illinois in Champaign: GIR! from Staunton, Purple Robot Penguins from O’Fallon and SWAT from Troy. FLL is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds which is designed to get children excited about science and technology, as well as teach them valuable life skills. Along with programming robots, teams are also evaluated on an elaborate research project, as well as how well they demonstrate FLL Core Values, which include teamwork, collective learning, active participation and gracious professionalism. After practicing and preparing for months, teams meet at regional qualifying tournaments to be graded on the three elements, with top teams advancing to state competition.

GIR! and SWAT qualified for the state tournament during the regional tournament held Dec. 3 at Henning Elementary School in Troy. In addition, SWAT won Top Table Performance Award and GIR! won the Champion’s Award for their overall top performance. Purple Robot Penguins qualified for the state tournament during the regional tournament held Dec. 10 at Carriel Jr. High in O’Fallon. The team also won the Champions Award. 

“We’re very excited to have three Girl Scout robotics teams qualify for the state tournament,” said GSSI STEM Program Manager Mary Buchanan. “We’re proud of all of our GSSI teams and their volunteer coaches. Competing on a robotics team takes a lot of dedication and hard work, along with the technical and teamwork skills that girls develop throughout the season.” 

This year, 12 GSSI teams from Albers, Alton, Anna, Belleville, Chester, Mt. Olive, O’Fallon (4), Staunton and Troy participated in FLL robotics. GSSI’s metro-east robotics teams are sponsored by The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, which awarded GSSI a $25,000 grant to support GSSI’s STEM initiatives in Jersey, Macoupin, Madison and St. Clair Counties. This grant is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund focused on strengthening the Greater St. Louis community, where Monsanto Fund and Monsanto Company are headquartered.

See 2016 FLL Photos 

Robotics are a vital part of GSSI’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming, which continues to be a progressive and forward-thinking initiative that has grown exponentially in recent years. GSSI has dedicated staff and volunteers who develop the STEM program through research, collaborator cultivation, training and hands-on experience. GSSI strives to offer diverse and high-quality STEM programming, such as simple circuit wiring, programming robots, exploring forensics and more. To ensure that even more girls have the chance to take advantage of these future-building opportunities, GSSI has integrated STEM activities into its outreach programs – which bring Girl Scouting to girls in underserved populations, such as low income neighborhoods, housing projects, rural communities and even detention centers. 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a high-capacity Girl Scout council serving approximately 13,000 girls and almost 4,500 adult volunteers in 40 ½ counties in southern Illinois. Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912. Today, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. is the largest voluntary organization for girls in the world. Its sole focus is to meet the needs of all girls (ages 5-17) from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Today’s Girl Scouts not only enjoy camping and crafts, but they also explore math and science and learn about diversity, good citizenship, leadership and teamwork. Girl Scouting is the place where girls experience the fun, friendship and power of girls together. 

About Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

GSSI Robotics Teams Competing in FIRST LEGO League Tournaments

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois FIRST Robotics League (FLL) teams are scheduled to compete on Dec. 13, Dec. 4 and Dec. 10. 

FLL is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds which is designed to get children excited about science and technology, as well as teach them valuable life skills. Along with programming robots, teams are also evaluated on an elaborate research project, as well as how well they demonstrate FLL Core Values, which include teamwork, collective learning, active participation and gracious professionalism. After practicing and preparing for months, teams meet at regional qualifying tournaments to be graded on the three elements, with the top teams advancing to state competition.

Good luck to GSSI's teams this season! 

GSSI FLL Regional Qualifying Tournament Schedule:

December 3 - Henning Elementary School, Troy,IL

GIR! and coaches Jason & Sarah Dothager from Staunton

Brainiacs and coaches Jill Thomas & Stacy Schroeder from Albers

Knights of the Round LEGO and coaches Winnie Kenney & Kevin Poncirolli from O'Fallon

SWAT and coaches Krysti Connelly & Jeremy Pokomy from Troy

MOST and coaches Leslie Lesko & Mark Harmon from Mt. Olive

Froggy Bots and coach Vicki Hoskin from Chester

December 4 - Lincolnland Community College, Springfield, IL

Firebreathing Hexicorns and coach Julie Herr from Belleville

December 10 - Carriel Jr. High, O'Fallon, IL 

Purple Robot Penguins and coach Larry Buchanan from O'Fallon

Flower STEMs and coaches Megan Terrell & George Mitchom from O'Fallon

LEGO Chick Explosion and coach Stacey Young from O'Fallon

Kudos to the following teams that competed in November: 

November 19 - Carriel Jr. High, O'Fallon,IL 

EV3 3ntourage and coaches Ricky & Celeste Borders from Anna

St. Mary's and coaches Jessica Farris & Sue Brown from Alton

See FLL Photo Album

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' FIRST LEGO League Robotics Teams to Compete

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois FIRST Robotics League (FLL) teams are schedule to compete on Nov. 19, Dec. 13, Dec. 4 and Dec. 10. 

FLL is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds which is designed to get children excited about science and technology, as well as teach them valuable life skills. Along with programming robots, teams are also evaluated on an elaborate research project, as well as how well they demonstrate FLL Core Values, which include teamwork, collective learning, active participation and gracious professionalism. After practicing and preparing for months, teams meet at regional qualifying tournaments to be graded on the three elements, with the top teams advancing to state competition.

Good luck to GSSI's teams this season! 

GSSI FLL Regional Qualifying Tournament Schedule:

November 19 - Carriel Jr. High, O'Fallon,IL 

EV3 3ntourage and coaches RIcky and Celeste Borders from Anna

St. Mary's and coaches Jessica Farris and Sue Brown from Alton

December 3 - Henning Elementary School, Troy,IL

GIR! and coaches Jason and Sarah Dothager from Staunton

Lacing to Victory and coaches Jill Thomas and Stacy Schroeder from Albers

Knights of the Round LEGO and coaches Winnie Kenney and Kevin Poncirolli from O'Fallon

SWAT and coaches Krysti Connelly and Jeremy Pokomy from Troy

MOST and coaches Leslie Lesko and Mark Harmon from Mt. Olive

Unnamed and coach Vicki Hoskin from Chester

December 4 - Lincolnland Community College, Springfield, IL

Firebreathing Hexicorns and coach Julie Herr from Belleville

December 10 - Carriel Jr. High, O'Fallon, IL 

Purple Robot Penguins and coach Larry Buchanan from O'Fallon

Flower STEMs and coaches Megan Terrell and George Mitchom from O'Fallon

Nameless and coach Stacey Young from O'Fallon

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Receives $25,000 Grant from The Monsanto Fund

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) has received a $25,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund to support Girl Scout STEM Robotics Leadership in Jersey, Macoupin, Madison and St. Clair counties. Robotics are a key component of GSSI’s commitment to giving girls opportunities and guidance in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). By participating in three different robotics leagues at three different age levels, GSSI aims to engage more girls across southern Illinois in STEM, so that they can explore valuable career options, build critical thinking and technical skills and sustain a lifelong interest in topics that many girls drift away from by middle school.

“Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is very grateful to be able to provide even more girls an opportunity to participate in STEM programs and compete on a robotics team through support from the Monsanto Fund,” said Mary Buchanan, GSSI Robotics Manager. “Engaging girls in STEM in fun, creative ways helps keep their interest in these valuable career fields, as well as develop their confidence, teamwork and problem solving abilities.”

This grant is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund focused on strengthening the Greater St. Louis community where Monsanto Company is headquartered.

“The Monsanto Fund is proud to support Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois as it continues to provide new learning opportunities for students in our local communities,” said Michelle Insco, Monsanto Fund program officer. “While women make up more than half of the U.S. workforce, they continue to be underrepresented in many STEM-related jobs. Programs like Girl Scout STEM Robotics Leadership make science, math and engineering more engaging and helps boost interest in these fields.”

The grant will help fund GSSI’s robotics season which starts this fall with FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®). In this global robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds, participants build and program a robot using LEGO components. Teams also conduct a research project and explore FLL Core Values such as active participation, teamwork and gracious professionalism. After months of practice and preparation, teams begin competing at regional tournaments, with the highest scoring teams proceeding to a global tournament.

The grant money will also be used to support several Junior FIRST Lego League (JrFLL®) teams and First Tech Challenge Team, which belong to a league that challenges middle and high school students to build an autonomous robot then program them using Java in Android Studio. The FTC Team competes in the fall/winter. In 2016, our FTC team qualified for both the Missouri and Illinois State Championships and won numerous awards. This was made possible partially to Monsanto Fund support and funding.

The grant will also allow GSSI to purchase additional equipment to facilitate the robotics program, including robot kits and tablets. Financial assistance for girls who cannot afford the $15 registration fee to join Girl Scouts will also be provided.

GSSI’s STEM program continues to be a progressive and forward-thinking initiative that has grown exponentially in recent years. In 2009, GSSI had just one robotics team. In 2015, GSSI fielded 30 teams. GSSI has dedicated staff and volunteers who develop the STEM program through research, collaborator cultivation, training and hands-on experience. GSSI strives to offer diverse and high-quality STEM programming, such as simple circuit wiring, programming robots, exploring forensics and more. To ensure that all girls have the chance to take advantage of these future-building opportunities, GSSI has integrated STEM activities into its outreach programs – which bring Girl Scouting to girls in underserved populations, such as low income neighborhoods, housing projects, rural communities and even detention centers.

FIRST® and FLL® are registered trademarks of the United States Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. Jr.FLL® and LEGO® are registered trademarks of the LEGO Group. BotBall® is a registered trademark of Kiss Institute for Practical Robotics. 

About The Monsanto Fund
The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

Oops! Robotics Has Successful January

GSSI's FIRST TECH Challenge team, Oops! Robotics is off to a great start in 2016!

During their first competition on Jan. 9 at Meramec Community College in Kirkwood, Mo, Oops! was selected for the robot game finals, won the Motivate Award and advanced to the Missouri State Championship! They were also runners up for the Connect Award, Think Award & Inspire Award (the highest FTC award) and got third place for the Design Award!

During their second competition on Jan. 30 at SIU Transportation Education Center in Carbondale, the team won the Connect Award and was a finalist for the Think Award.


Oops! has two more qualifying tournaments in February. Watch for more coverage! 

See more photos of Oops! Robotics

Robotics Success Symbol of Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' Dedication to STEM

GSSI Robotics teams had great success during recent FIRST LEGO League (FLL) regional qualifying tournaments in November and December, indicative of GSSI's commitment to bringing  girls relevant, exciting opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

FLL is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds which is designed to get children excited about science and technology, as well as teach them valuable life skills. Along with programming robots, teams are also evaluated on an elaborate research project, as well as how well they demonstrate FLL Core Values, which include teamwork, collective learning, active participation and gracious professionalism. After practicing and preparing for months, teams meet at regional qualifying tournaments to be graded on the three elements, with the top teams advancing to state competition.

"Our FLL teams have had an amazing year," said STEM Program Manager Mary Buchanan.  "We had four teams win awards this year and have expanded into two new areas in the southern part of our jurisdiction - Anna and Carbondale.  We would love to continue expanding the robotics program throughout the council because girls love the exciting, team-oriented STEM challenges it offers."

Buchanan also noted that GSSI's Robotics Program has gotten more men involved with Girl Scouts.  "More than half of our robotics teams - including our FIRST TECH Challenge team for older girls -has had a father coaching," she said. "Seeing more dads participating and helping build girls' confidence and skills in STEM is great!"

Career opportunities related to STEM fields are expected to continue to grow and studies show they pay 33% more than non-STEM jobs. However, a recent survey by the Girl Scouts Research Institute found that while 74% of high school girls are interested in STEM, less than a quarter of jobs in that field are filled by women.  Girl Scouts offers numerous program opportunities to encourage more girls to follow their interests to build for a successful future.

"We're so grateful for all of the parents, volunteers and supporters who invest in our Robotics Program," said Buchanan.  "Studies show that girls actually do have a high interest in STEM activities, despite the stereotype.  Providing them with role models, encouragement and interesting challenges helps develop this interest and opens their minds to future opportunities."

Girl Scout teams at the FLL regional qualifier on Dec. 5 at Carriel Jr. High in O'Fallon

2015 GSSI  FIRST LEGO League Summary: 

Teams participating in FLL Tournaments: 

Coding Catricorns and Coach Scott Gilbert, Carbondale
Fire Breathing Hexicorns and Coach Julie Herr, Belleville*
Flower STEMs and Coach Megan Terrell, O'Fallon*
GIR! and Coach Jason Dothager, Staunton*
Knights of the Round LEGO and Coach Winnie Kenney, O'Fallon*
Lightning Storm and Coach Sarah Klosterman, Belleville*
Purple Robot Penguins and Coach Larry Buchanan, O'Fallon*
Robots of the Round Table and Coach Celeste Borders, Anna
Super Weird Awesome Tinkerbots and Coach Krysti Connelly, Troy*
Undercover Upcyclers and Coach Jill Thomas, Albers

Three additional teams hosted by GSSI participated in the FLL program, but elected not to compete.

*GSSI teams in the Metro East were sponsored by The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company.

Award winning teams: 

Purple Robot Penguins had the top score in the Robot Game and took home
the Champion's Award for overall top team performance. 

At the FLL regional qualifier on Dec. 5 at Carriel Jr. High in O'Fallon, two GSSI teams took home awards.  Purple Robot Penguins won the Champion's Award for being the overall top performing team at the tournament.  They also won the Performance Award for having the top table score during the robot game.   The team qualified to compete in the Illinois FLL State Tournament on Jan. 23 at University of Illinois. 

Knights of the Round LEGO during competition.  The young team won the Rookie Award. 

At the same tournament, Knights of the Round LEGO won the Rookie Award, for being the top performing first year team.

SWAT displaying their award-winning research project. 

Also on Dec. 5, Super Weird Awesome Tinkerbots (SWAT) won the Project Award at the FLL regional qualifier at Cassens Elementary School in Edwardsville, for their exceptional research project.

GIR! presenting during judging rounds of the FLL tournament.
The team won the Core Values Award.

On Nov. 23, GIR! won the Core Values Award during the FLL regional qualifier at Carriel Jr. High in O'Fallon.  The Core Values Award honors teams that exemplify the cornerstones of the FLL program, such as teamwork, friendly competition, collective learning and gracious professionalism.

About Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

GSSI FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Robotics Team To Compete

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois FIRST Robotics League (FLL) teams will compete on November 24 and December 5.

FLL is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds which is designed to get children excited about science and technology, as well as teach them valuable life skills. Along with programming robots, teams are also evaluated on an elaborate research project, as well as how well they demonstrate FLL Core Values, which include teamwork, collective learning, active participation and gracious professionalism. After practicing and preparing for months, teams meet at regional qualifying tournaments to be graded on the three elements, with the top teams advancing to state competition.

GSSI FLL Regional Qualifying Tournament Schedule:

November 21 - Carriel Jr. High, O'Fallon 

Fire Breathing Hexicorns and Coach Julie Herr, Belleville

GIR! and Coach Jason Dothager, Staunton

Lightning Storm and Coach Sarah Klosterman, Belleville

Robots of the Round Table and Coach Celeste Borders, Anna

December 5 - Cassens Elementary School, Glen Carbon

Super Weird Awesome Tinkerbots and Coach Krysti Connelly, Troy 

December 5 - Carriel Jr. High, O'Fallon

Undercover Upcyclers and Coach Jill Thomas, Albers

Purple Robot Penguins and Coach Larry Buchanan, O'Fallon

Knights of the Round LEGO and Coach Winnie Kenney, O'Fallon

Flower STEMs and Coach Megan Terrell, O'Fallon

Coding Catricorns and Coach Scott Gilbert, Carbondale

FLL State Championships -January 23, 2016 

University of Illinois Activity and Rec Center: 201 Peabody Drive, Champaign, IL. 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Awarded $25,000 Monsanto Fund Grant for STEM

 

 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) has received a $25,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund to support Girl Scout STEM Robotics Leadership in Jersey, Macoupin, Madison and St. Clair counties.   Robotics are a key component of GSSI’s commitment to giving girls opportunities and guidance in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  By participating in three different robotics leagues at three different age levels, GSSI aims to engage more girls across southern Illinois in STEM, so that they can explore valuable career options, build critical thinking and technical skills and sustain a lifelong interest in topics that many girls drift away from by middle school.

“Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is very grateful to be able to provide even more girls an opportunity to participate in STEM programs and compete on a robotics team through support from the Monsanto Fund,” said Mary Buchanan, GSSI Robotics Manager.  “Engaging girls in STEM in fun, creative ways helps keep their interest in these valuable career fields, as well as develop their confidence, teamwork and problem solving abilities.”

This grant is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund focused on strengthening the Greater St. Louis community, where Monsanto Fund and Monsanto Company are headquartered.

The grant will help fund GSSI’s robotics season which starts this fall with FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®).  In this global robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds, participants build and program a robot using LEGO components. Teams also conduct a research project and explore FLL Core Values such as active participation, teamwork and gracious professionalism.  After months of practice and preparation, teams begin competing at regional tournaments, with the highest scoring teams proceeding to a global tournament.

The grant money will also be used to support several Junior FIRST Lego League (JrFLL®) teams and Botball® teams, which belong to a league that challenges middle and high school students to build two autonomous robots then program them using C, C++ or Java. The robots perform a series of preprogrammed tasks in direct competition with another team at the same table.   Botball teams will compete at regional tournaments in the spring, with top scoring teams advancing to global competition. In 2013, GSSI had the only all Girl Scout Botball teams in the world.

The grant will also allow GSSI to purchase additional equipment to facilitate the robotics program, including robot kits and tablets.  Financial assistance for girls who cannot afford the $15 registration fee to join Girl Scouts will also be provided.

GSSI’s STEM program continues to be a progressive and forward-thinking initiative that has grown exponentially in recent years.  In 2009, GSSI had just one robotics team.  In 2015, they fielded 30 teams.  GSSI has dedicated staff and volunteers who develop the STEM program through research, collaborator cultivation, training and hands-on experience. GSSI strives to offer diverse and high-quality STEM programming, such as simple circuit wiring, programming robots, exploring forensics and more.  To ensure that all girls have the chance to take advantage of these future-building opportunities, GSSI has integrated STEM activities into its outreach programs – which bring Girl Scouting to girls in underserved populations, such as low income neighborhoods, housing projects, rural communities and even detention centers. 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a high-capacity Girl Scout council serving nearly 14,000 girls and almost 5,000 adult volunteers in 40 ½ counties in southern Illinois.  Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912. Today, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. is the largest voluntary organization for girls in the world.  Its sole focus is to meet the needs of all girls (ages 5-17) from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.   Today’s Girl Scouts not only enjoy camping and crafts, but they also explore math and science and learn about diversity, good citizenship, leadership and teamwork.  Girl Scouting is the place where girls experience the fun, friendship and power of girls together. 

FIRST® and FLL® are registered trademarks of the United States Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. Jr.FLL® and LEGO® are registered trademarks of the LEGO Group.  BotBall® is a registered trademark of Kiss Institute for Practical Robotics.  Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit organization supported by various United Ways throughout the region.   Girl Scouts is a Proud Partner of United Way.   For more information, contact Jay Strobel, GSSI Chief Communications Officer at 618.692.0692. 

About Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Hosting Southwestern Illinois Junior FIRST LEGO League Expo

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is hosting the Southwestern Illinois Junior FIRST LEGO League (JrFLL) Expo on Saturday, March 21, 2015. The Expo will be held at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, IL and run from 9:30 am to Noon.

JrFLL is for children ages 6-9 and captures young children's curiosity and directs it toward discovering the wonders of science and technology. This program features a real-world scientific concept to be explored through research, teamwork, construction, and imagination. Guided by adult Coaches, teams use LEGO® bricks to build a model that moves and develop a Show Me Poster to illustrate their journey.

Through JrFLL Children get to: design and build a challenge-related model using LEGO® components, create a Show Me Poster and practice presentation skills, explore challenges facing today's scientists, discover real-world math and science, begin developing teamwork skills, choose to participate in expos and showcases, engage in team activities guided by Jr.FLL Core Values

Girl Scout Teams scheduled to compete are:

Knights of the Round LEGO, O’Fallon & Coach Winnie Kenney

8548 Cowgirls, Anna & Coach Celeste Borders

The LEGO League Thin Mints, O’Fallon & Coach Kevin Ponciroli

Pink Peacocks, O’Fallon & Coach Michelle Sparks

LEGO Brownie Bots, O’Fallon & Coach Stacy Young

E. St. Louis Dunbar Elementary School & Coach Wenona Woolfolk

Effingham & Coach Sasha Hudson

Additional Teams: 

Brain Train, St. Louis

Brain Freeze, St. Louis

Royal LEGOs #1, Red Bud

Royal LEGOs #2, Red Bud

Kennard CJA, St. Louis

Smart Imaginative Engineering Kittens, Staunton 

Clever Little Foxess, Arnold MO

Laughing LEGO Cyber Bots, Glen Carbon

Bionic Bots, Edwardsville

Junior LEGO Masters, Fenton MO

For more information about GSSI's Girl Scout Robotics program, please contact STEM Program Manager Mary Buchanan at 800.345.6858, ext. 1115 or e-mail mbuchanan@gsofsi.org.

GSSI's FIRST TECH Challenge Team Wins Motivate Award for Third Time!

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' flagship FIRST TECH Challenge Team, Oops! (because the World's Greatest Inventions Started with an 'oops!') won the Motivate Award during competition at Decatur Hope Academy on February 7.

 

Oops! is coached by Kristi Smith of O'Fallon and consists of middle and high school girls from O'Fallon, Granite City and Belleville.  They have won the Motivate Award, which is presented to that exemplifies the essence of the FTC competition through team building, team spirit and enthusiasm, during three consecutive tournaments.  

FTC is designed for students in grades 7-12 to compete head to head, using a sports model. Teams are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and is programmed using a variety of languages. Teams, including coaches, mentors and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.

 

For more information about GSSI's Robotics Program, please contact STEM Program Manager Mary Buchanan at 800.345.6858, ext. 1115 or e-mail mbuchanan@gsofsi.org.

 

 

 

Past Photos:

 

 

 

 

 

 

GSSI FIRST TECH Challenge Team Wins Motivate Award For Second Time

 

 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' FIRST TECH Challenge Team, Oops!, won the Motivate Award at their competition on Jan. 31 at SIU Carbondale's Transportation Education Center on Jan. 31.   The team got their name "because the world's greatest inventions started with an oops!" The Motivate Award is awarded to the team that exemplifies the essence of the FTC competition through team building, team spirit and enthusiasm.

FTC is designed for students in grades 7-12 to compete head to head, using a sports model. Teams are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. Oops! competes again on Feb. 7 at Decatur Hope Academy.

 

OOPS! Robotics coached by Kristi Smith of O’Fallon consists of middle and high school girls from O’Fallon, Granite City and Belleville.

Follow Oops! Robotics on their blog: http://oopsrobotics.wordpress.com/

 

To learn more about GSSI's robotics program, please contact STEM Program Manager Mary Buchanan at 800.345.6858, ext. 1115 or e-mail mbuchana@gsofsi.org.

Junior FIRST LEGO League Girl Scout Robotics Teams Forming

 

Junior FIRST LEGO League (JrFLL) teams are forming for teams of up to six girls in Kindergarten to 3rd grade. All you need are a team of girls, two coaches and the desire to experience an amazing STEM program. Registration fees, kits and training are provided. Teams will show off their hard work at the Southwestern Illinois JrFLL Expo at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville on March 21.  For more information, please contact STEM Program Manager Mary Buchanan at 800.345.6858, ext. 1115 or e-mail mbuchanan@gsofsi.org.

GSSI's FIRST TECH Challenge Team Wins Motivate Award

 

 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' FIRST TECH Challenge Team, Oops!,won the Motivate Award at their first competition on Jan. 10 at Meramac Community College in St. Louis  The team got their name "because the world's greatest inventions started with an oops!" The Motivate Award is awarded ...to the team that exemplifies the essence of the FTC competition through team building, team spirit and enthusiasm.

FTC is designed for students in grades 7-12 to compete head to head, using a sports model. Teams are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. Oops! competes again on Jan. 31 at SIU Carbondale’s Transportation Education Center.

 

To learn more about GSSI's robotics program, please contact STEM Program Manager Mary Buchanan at 800.345.6858, ext. 1115 or e-mail mbuchana@gsofsi.org.

GSSI's FIRST TECH Challenge Team Starting Competition

 

 

 

GSSI’s flagship FIRST TECH Challenge team is ready to launch. OOPS! Robotics coached by Kristi Smith of O’Fallon consists of middle and high school girls from O’Fallon, Granite City and Belleville. They will compete in several qualifier tournaments this winter. Stop by and cheer them on at their competitions at Meramac Community College in St. Louis on Jan. 10, SIU Carbondale’s Transportation Education Center on Jan. 31 and Decatur Hope Academy on Feb. 7.

FTC is designed for students in grades 7-12 to compete head to head, using a sports model. Teams are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and is programmed using a variety of languages. Teams, including coaches, mentors and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.

Follow Oops! Robotics on their blog: http://oopsrobotics.wordpress.com/

Two GSSI Robotics Teams Headed to FIRST LEGO League State

Purple Robot Penguins

Lightning Storm

Two Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois robotics teams have qualified to compete in the FIRST LEGO League State Tournament on Jan. 24 at

University of Illinois Rec Center in Champaign-Urbana.

 

Purple Robot Penguins from O'Fallon/Shiloh qualified at the regional tournament on Nov. 22 at Carriel Jr. High in O'Fallon.  They also won the Project Award.

 

On Dec. 6, Lightning Storm from Belleville had the top table score and won the Champions Award at the regional tournament at Cassens Elementary School in Glen Carbon to qualify for state level competition.  

 

FLL is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds which is designed to get children excited about science and technology, as well as teach them valuable life skills. Along with programming robots, teams are also evaluated on an elaborate research project, as well as how well they demonstrate FLL Core Values, which include teamwork, collective learning, active participation and gracious professionalism. After practicing and preparing for months, teams meet at regional qualifying tournaments to be graded on the three elements, with the top teams advancing to state competition.

Volunteers Needed for Robotics Tournaments

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois needs volunteers that are interested in helping at high energy, exciting robotics tournaments -  no robotics experience is necessary.

At the Southern Illinois First Lego League Qualifying Tournaments, volunteers are needed as robot game field resetters, referees, judges and to help with team check in and guiding them to the judging locations. This is your opportunity to see first-hand why there is so much excitement about First Lego League Robotics. The tournaments will be held on Saturday, November 22 at Amelia Carriel Junior High in O’Fallon and Saturday, December 6 at Carriel Junior High in O’Fallon and Albert Cassen Elementary school in Glen Carbon.

Please contact Mary Buchanan at mbuchanan@gsofsi.org for more information.