Dublin City University (DCU) was buzzing with excitement as 70 Irish Girl Guides showcased their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Regional. The day saw fourteen teams from across Ireland compete, demonstrating their innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities through cutting-edge projects and robot design.
Octonaughts Take the Top Prize
Among the competitors were The Octonaughts, a four-Girl Guide team from Lucan Unit. They emerged victorious as this year’s Regional Champions. Their winning project focused on Sonar Technology and its impact on sperm whales.
The team explored the frequencies used in sonar technology and their effects on marine life. Their innovative solution proposed a sonar system that integrates whale echolocation clicks into sonar technology, minimizing harm to these magnificent creatures.
Their exceptional research, connection to FIRST LEGO League Core Values, and impressive robotic control skills secured them a well-deserved place in the Ireland Final, which will take place on Saturday, April 12th. There, they will compete against other top teams from across the country.
“This event is a testament to the incredible talent, passion, and commitment of our Girl Guides,” said Katie Keogh, Irish Girl Guides LEGO Representative and Mosney Unit Brownies and Guides Leader. “Each team has worked incredibly hard, and we are beyond proud of their achievements”.
It wasn’t the only win on the day as various other Guides gathered awards on the day:
- Robot Game Award – Squashed Squids (Macalla Guides)
- Robot Design Award – Winnie Fish (St. Brendan’s Guides)
- Innovation Project Award – Coral Creators (North Longford Senior Branch)
- Core Values Award – Awesome Octonauts (Dilse Senior Branch)
- Rising All-Star Award – The Gills (St. Brendan’s Guides)
- Breakthrough Award – Merlin Dolphins (St. Nicholas & Merlin Wood Guides)
- Motivate Award – Deep Blue Divas (Mosney Guides)
Irish Girl Guides has 10,000 members across Ireland. Guiding started in Ireland in 1911 and operates throughout the 26 counties with 1,600 volunteer Leaders providing an informal educational programme of fun and challenging activities that foster confidence and leadership skills in girls and young women, enabling them to develop to their full potential and to become responsible citizens.
