Today is March 1, 2026, and we have some exciting news from Trenton, Florida! Five talented boys from Frazer School have recently won first place in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge for the 2025-26 season. This achievement is a significant milestone, as the FLL is a global STEM program designed for students aged 5 to 16, which combines robotics, research, and problem-solving skills.
The team, known as the Turbogatorbots, stood out among more than 800 teams in Florida during last month’s competition. The theme for this year’s contest was archaeology, pushing students to build LEGO robots capable of performing tasks that assist archaeologists in their work. The Turbogatorbots—comprising James Du, Dennis Chi, Daniel Chi, Jacob Li, and Andrew Zhao—demonstrated exceptional ingenuity by improving their robot’s design and functionality through an iterative process.
Innovative Solutions for Archaeology
In preparation for the competition, the team secured two patents for technologies aimed at helping archaeologists discover ancient civilizations more efficiently and non-invasively. One of their noteworthy developments is a miniature radar sensor that utilizes sound, vibration, and radio waves to detect underground objects. The Turbogatorbots even had the opportunity to test their innovative technology at the Potano Village excavation site in Gainesville, collaborating with Dr. Charles Cobb and Dr. Gifford Waters from the Florida Museum of Natural History.
The FIRST LEGO League, known as UNEARTHED, focuses on providing insights into the challenges faced in archaeology. Some of these challenges include logistical issues, lack of funding, and the need for expensive excavation tools. The program aims to inspire students to engage with STEM subjects while addressing real-world problems.
Looking Ahead: The World Championships
In April, the Turbogatorbots will travel to Houston to compete against students from over 60 countries at the FIRST LEGO League World Championships, taking place from April 29 to May 2. This prestigious event promises to showcase the hard work and creativity of young minds from around the globe.
The competition is not just about robotics; it also emphasizes important values like teamwork and innovation. As the students prepare for this next level of competition, they embody the spirit of the FIRST LEGO League, which aims to inspire the next generation of thinkers and problem solvers.
We wish the Turbogatorbots the best of luck in their upcoming challenge! Their journey exemplifies how education can intersect with technology and creativity, making a real impact in fields like archaeology while sparking interest in STEM among their peers.
For more information about the FIRST LEGO League and its impact on education, visit here.