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Show 8 MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013 THE SIGNPOST WWW.WSUSIGNP0ST.COM Robots continued from page 4 program is designed to help develop life skills through practical applications while promoting career fields. David Fer- ro, dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology, said WSU has taken an interest in the FIRST Lego League due to the emphasis on engineering and design that goes into the robots. "Children need this type of program to make science fun," Ferro said. "The schools do not always teach the basics of research and design in a manner that children will understand without actually doing." The team setup brings elements like failure and critical thinking into the larger picture of success. According to Ferro, WSU sponsors teams to promote community outreach and understanding of similar programs available. The community also plays a large role in the success of Utah's FIRST Lego League program. PHOTO BY ELISA WRIGHT I THE SIGNPOST Chad Corbitt, an engineer from Hill Air Force Base, said this is his third year volunteering with the FIRST Lego League. He said his favorite part about volunteering is working with the children. "They get so excited when they get something to work right," he said. Corbitt also said the most important part of the competition is when the teams learn from failure in the first round, but correct their errors by the third round and come out victorious. The teams are formed around the community through churches, schools and neighborhoods. "I love FIRST Lego League because I get to do what I love - play with Legos and friends," said Tyler Shaw, a member of the team Lion Byte of Lomond View Elementary. Shaw said he wants to be an aerospace engineer when he grows up. PHOTO BY TYLER BROWN | THE SIGNPOST (Left) A robot moves through the course. Tasks on the course included picking up objects and knocking objects over. (Right) Teammates cheer on their two representatives who set up their robot on the tabletop course. "(My) favorite part about science is how you get to be with your friends and have fun while learning," said Robert Mendo- za, another member of team Lion Byte. The teams will go on to compete at the state championship at the University of Utah on Ian. 26. The WSU College of Applied Science and Technology wants to promote the FIRST Lego League through community outreach. Interested parents and groups can contact Ingram for more information at 801-626- 7785. Comment on this story at wsusignpos t.com. Flu continued from page 4 combat the influenza virus. WSU freshman Brant Dalebout said he has not yet had the flu while in college, as this is only his second semester, but that he would stay home if he had the flu. "Some kids feel well enough to go to class, and others go no matter what," Dalebout said. "(I would) ask someone in the class what I missed so I don't spread it around school." WSU senior and accounting major Brittney Mahoney said she keeps hand sanitizer in her bag at all times and uses it frequently to avoid sickness. She e-mails her professors before missing class and said they have always been accommodating and cooperative. Carter said the flu is currently spreading around Utah. "(But) the Weber- Morgan activity is still relatively low," she said. "Every season is different depending on which strains are presenting." More information on prevention, treatment and updates on where outbreaks are occurring is available at www.cdc. org/flu. All WSU students can visit the Student Health Center in the Student Services Building if they have flu symptoms or would like to get a flu vaccination. Comment on this story at wsusignpost.com. • \ LOOKS AT WATEl. A TMBRT 12PM - WILDCAT THEATER Ecologist, author, and cancer survivor, Sandra Steingrabi Ph.D. is an internationally recognized authority on th environment links to cancer and human health |