First Lego League Competition - Student Report

The LYRA team (Langton Year 9-11 Robotics Association) at school competed in the regionals of the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge at Canterbury Christ Church University.  

On 28 February 2025, numerous teams from schools throughout Kent came together to participate in the FLL Challenge, a thrilling STEM competition. Our entry into this event was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Langton Family Association (LFA), and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to them.

LYRA was the first team to present our Innovation Project to a panel of three judges. Our solution is an underwater station similar to a space station, but for oceans. An underwater station provides a stable environment for long-term research as scientists can stay submerged for extended periods without needing to frequently return to the surface. Researchers can explore and study underwater ecosystems that are otherwise inaccessible. By having a permanent underwater facility, disturbances caused by ships are minimised, helping to preserve delicate marine ecosystems. Our station is designed with a focus on sustainability as it runs on renewable technologies and incorporates reuse and recycle. It can be a hub for collaboration among scientists from various disciplines and can collect real-time data via constant monitoring. Scientists could utilise this research facility to investigate underwater vents, which scientists believed life first formed from, migration patterns of marine animals, and the fascinating phenomenon of bioluminescence.

We considered the materials the station would be made from and their properties, incorporating materials such as sacrificial anodes to protect the station and polyurethane foam for insulation. Energy generation will come from hydrostatic pressure turbines, which use the natural pressure of deep-sea water to directly drive turbines and generate electricity. Potential locations for the underwater station are in areas around the world with plenty of tidal resources, as it would have access to renewable energy if built in these areas. To get potable water, the base would use desalination of sea water through reverse osmosis. Oxygen for the base would be generated via electrolysis by splitting oxygen from hydrogen in water molecules. For waste removal, we incorporated vacuum toilets which use a vacuum system to remove waste.

Next up were the Robot Game rounds. Each team had three opportunities throughout the day to maximise their robot's score on the challenge mat within a two-and-a-half-minute window. Initially, we were filled with anxiety as our robot, Crumpet, had a few unexpected difficulties. However, through collaboration and determination, we improved the code, practiced the robot run, and tackled every challenge. In the subsequent robot games, we put forth our best efforts to refine and boost our robot's capabilities.

The team of five included Manqi, Jennifer, Jemima, Alicia, and Elizabeth, with Sofia and Iliana stepping in as invaluable student mentors. Their ongoing support and encouragement played a vital role in maintaining high spirits both before and during the event. I can say with certainty that our success would not have been possible without them.

Sofia remarked, “It was a joy to witness the team’s determination as they tackled various obstacles. Observing their growth and resilience was incredibly fulfilling. I am immensely proud of the team and all they have accomplished.”

Throughout the tournament, LYRA truly exemplified the spirit of the challenge, uplifting one another and extending their enthusiasm to other teams as well. The competition culminated in the judging ceremony, where we anxiously awaited the announcement of the trophy winners. To our delight, LYRA was honored with the Innovation trophy for our Innovation Project. Despite the challenges we encountered during the season, LYRA delivered an outstanding performance that captivated the judges throughout the tournament.

Alicia, Elizabeth, Manqi