Submitted photos Eric Eisenbrey of the Eyes and Brains Stem Center, standing far left, smiies with the team members who competed in the State LEGO Robotics Competition in Fairmont. Top row from left, Andrew, Amos, Tyler, JP, Brantley, Tucker, Ellie and Flora. Bottom row from left, Nash, Mason, Xander, Harrison, Lucas, Silas and Titus.

ELKINS — A group of local students took part in the State LEGO Robotics Competition in Fairmont Dec. 2.

The Fairmont University Student Center was packed with more than 70 LEGO robotics teams from across the state — including five from the Eyes and Brains STEM Center in Elkins.

“The students spent the last three months preparing and were ready to show off their hard work,” said Eric Eisenbrey of the Eyes and Brains Stem Center.

Three of the teams were made up of second- to fourth-graders who constructed LEGO Brick models that showcased their diverse interests and hobbies.

The “Herd of Turtles” team shared their love of video games, LEGOs, and amusement parks.

The “Unspeakable Gaming” squad showed their love for YouTube content.

The “Cookie Crumblers” showed their love of building by creating a detailed story about a creature trying to take over a town.

The two fifth- and sixth-grade teams faced a different set of challenges. “The Mosaics” and “Everything is Awesome” had to test their robotics skills against 45 other teams.

Both teams scored 175 points, placing them in 33rd and 34th place. This year also required that they design a new device to help improve upon their own hobbies.

“The Mosaics” worked on plans for a more environmentally friendly soccer ball, and “Everything is Awesome” planned a device that would read your mind to help you draw pictures exactly as you envision them.

“The students plan to continue LEGO models and robotics design in the upcoming non-competitive season,” Eisenbrey said.

The spring season will run from January to May after school, with local school bus drop-off near the YMCA in downtown Elkins. Students in second- to eighth-grades are welcome to sign up at eyesandbrains.org/robotics.

For more information on the Eyes and Brain STEM Center, go to eyesandbrains.org or call 304-801-3272.