Nearly 400 students filled a gym at Rochester Community and Technical College on Wednesday, Dec. 10, for the 17th annual IBM Lego Education Outreach competition. As soon as the announcer gave the signal, the students tore open envelopes containing surprise instructions and hurried to build new robots within just 45 minutes. The atmosphere was loud and energetic, with teams rushing to design, build, and program Lego robots under pressure.
The gym had several playing fields in the center where the competitions took place, and along the edges were dozens of tables crowded with students testing motors, adjusting wheels, and fixing last-minute problems. For many of the kids, this was the highlight of months of learning and preparation.
Aaron Albertson, IBM’s education outreach lead, explained that the goal of the competition is to spark interest in programming, engineering, and problem-solving. He said they hope students walk away excited about the idea of pursuing careers in science and technology in the future.
While the 45-minute challenge was the most dramatic part of the day, the event actually began months earlier. Since early September, IBM volunteers had been visiting schools participating in the competition. They spent weeks helping teams learn how to build robots using Lego electronics, program them, and test them on simple tasks. This long preparation helped students build confidence before arriving at the final competition.
On Wednesday, more than 150 teams from 21 schools attended the event. Stewartville alone brought about 60 students. During the first part of the day, teams competed using the robots they had built and programmed during the months leading up to the event. Students guided their robots through specific challenges, hoping their careful planning over the semester would pay off.
Once that round ended, the real test began. Students received sealed envelopes containing brand-new instructions. They had to design, build, and program an entirely new robot from scratch in just 45 minutes. This sudden-challenge format tested their creativity, teamwork, and ability to stay calm under pressure.
IBM volunteer Dave Verburg, who attended with a team of homeschoolers, said this part of the competition reveals a different set of skills. Earlier rounds show how well students listened and learned from their teachers. The second round, he explained, shows how well they can think independently and solve problems without help. He compared it to real life, where people often have deadlines and unexpected tasks to complete.
The challenge varied depending on the skill level. Beginner teams needed to build a robot that could knock over all the pegs on a playing field as quickly as possible. Advanced teams had a tougher job: their robots had to push all the pegs into a central island, requiring careful planning and precise programming. For all levels, the short time limit meant students had to think fast, test quickly, and adjust their designs on the spot.
Teacher Jennifer Moldenhauer from Immanuel Lutheran School in Plainview moved between the teams she had brought to the event. She said the competition teaches far more than robotics. Students use math concepts like angles and measurements without even realizing it, and they also build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management. She explained that students must learn to solve problems quickly and handle unexpected challenges, skills that will help them in any career they choose later on.
By the end of the event, students walked away not only with new technical skills but also with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The fast-paced, hands-on experience pushed them to think creatively, stay calm under pressure, and rely on one another—all while having fun with Lego robots.
