Pupils tackling 'real-world problems' using Lego

More than 600 young engineers are hoping to prove their ingenuity by building robots from Lego.

Schools from across Cornwall are showcasing their science skills in Cornwall Council's Lego League being held at RNAS Culdrose, Helston.

Organisers said the competition also involved students collaborating to find a solution to a real-world problem.

The event also includes interactive science displays designed to inspire young people's interest in science, technology engineering and maths.

Jacob Woolcock, a teacher at Penpol Primary School in Hayle, has taken his Year Five class to the event for the last four years.

"A couple of years ago we did so well we had a team that went to the national finals. We ended up taking 10 children to the world final in Boston, Massachusetts," he said.

He said the pupils built confidence through the event and enjoyed meeting other like-minded children.

As part of the competition, Penpol pupils identified a problem with the anchors of large ships dragging on the sea floor and damaging marine wildlife.

Nine-year-old Alayah said: "We created a different anchor design and it had a spike at the bottom instead of on the sides."

Cornwall Council said the event was designed to offer pupils "opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills".

A spokesman said: "It's a supportive environment to build confidence and teamwork abilities."

Winners will be announced at the end of the event on Thursday.

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