World Finals, Iowa State University, May 22- 27, 2012

Two teams from LGB travelled to the World Finals, a creative extravaganza where more than 800 teams from around the world shared their ideas and work. Our two teams did a superb job showcasing their solutions: Ooh-Motional and Weird Science. They did exceptionally well on their Spontaneous Problem. 

The Hovercraft Team, Ooh-Motional, Division I, placed 14 out of 41 (there were 55 teams!)

The Smarties, Weird Science, Division II, placed 12 out of 42 (there were 63 teams!)

This is remarkable!  Our teams were competing with the best from 15 different countries!

 Hovercraft team with Omer



Hovercraft team with another team doing the same problem. Both looking at the competition site!



Pin trading with our Buddy Team from Colorado

 Hovercraft team with another team, in front of our dorm

 Hovercraft team and Buddy Team- signing each others' T-shirts

Karen and Michelle in front of the NASA tent at Creativity Centre

Eurofest - St. Petersburg

Eurofest- St. Petersburg - April 22 - 27, 2012

Our team was paired with a Russian and a Polish team to solve another problem and then present the solution as part of the Eurofest-Mixed-Team Problem competition.  This is an exercise in an international dimension of creativity, respect for other ideas, and democratic problem solving that is clearly visible. We, the coaches from Russia, Poland and Ecolint, are extremely pleased and proud with the manner in which the 20 students worked together! They did not win a prize but learned some important skills. They connected with one another, they developed increased competence in resolving a complex problem, they made choices based on mutual understanding and respect, and applied the “soft skill” of timing and organization.  Their success lies with the above skills. Bravo! 

Spontaneous Problem Competition

Spontaneous Problem Competition

February 3, 2012

Spontaneous Problems are really brain builders! Some spontaneous problems build verbal skills, some build mechanical skills, and some build both, but all improve creative problem-solving talents--and are FUN!

Pin Trading at World Finals 2011

Inspiration - Use Materials Like These?

Pins at World Finals

2011 was the first Swiss participation in World Finals. We never realised pin trading was so popular...



...or so much fun. Look closely and you'll find problems, regions, countries. What would you put on your pin?