ALPENA –The Innovators Brick Build Competition is hosted by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Alpena STARBASE.

The idea came from students in the Innovators program at Thunder Bay Junior High. They wanted to have a LEGO Build Competition like the one currently on FOX, LEGO Masters.

Students searched but found nothing, so they had the idea to start their own local competition.

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary agreed to host and STARBASE coordinator, Steve Tezak, is taking registrations through their website: starbasealpena.org/.

Students in the Innovators class helped review and edit the rules and building guidelines. The Alpena High School ROV robotics team will be judging the builds.

Entries can be dropped off at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Feb. 14, 15, and 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Voting will take place on Feb. 19 through Feb. 21.

The MiSTEM Region 12 will provide funding to sponsor prizes for each competition division. Each competitive level will be awarded $300: 1st $150, 2nd $100, and 3rd $50. Also, each level will have a Judge Favorite that will receive a LEGO build.

Competition

Divisions:

Lower Elementary: K – 2

Upper Elementary 3 – 5

Middle School 6 – 8

High School 9 – 12

Project Partners:

Bob Thomson: Innovators Project Coordinator

Steve Tezak: Alpena STARBASE Coordinator

Daniel Moffatt: TBNMS Stewardship and Education Specialist

Laura Percival: MiSTEM Region 12 Director