DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Super Scream Bros is making STEM education easily accessible to students of all ages. The program is known for teaching students about robotics and letting them build their own robots from start to finish for competitions. This year the group hosted something new, the FIRST Lego Qualifier. While this competition encourages a healthy competition between students it also teaches them about the importance of teamwork. 

Parker Springer, a 7th grade student, said, "Try everything that you want to do and just have fun"

The students entered the competition with the hopes of being the best of the best, but they also learn important skills along the way. A major part of the program is helping students find their love for robotics and encourage them to keep learning. 

Owen Rexshell, an 11th grade student, said, "This whole season you're building this whole robot and when you finally get it work it is one of the coolest things."

The students are able to build each robot piece by piece. They have the chance to use Lego to make their ideas a reality, but if they need a specific piece, they are able to 3-D print to make a piece that will work. 

Zach Jalley, a Junior at the University of Illinois and program alum, said, "I remember when I was a kid having a Lego robot and while it was cool to just fiddle with it, I never had any direction any tasks that I wanted to do and this program kind of gives you a chance to get experience working with a team or coordinate and solve problems."

The students are able to feel a sense of community through the program and find friends that have similar interests.

"I hope they get a chance to grow in their ability to work with each other but not just with each other but with every other team that they compete alongside at every competition." 

While also learning to be accepting of new ideas. The end goal is to make their robot work while being able to complete the challenges and each student is encouraged to speak their mind to find the best path forward to reach their goal. 

"Everybody kind of has different ideas on how thing should be done, and I think it is really a unique chance for kids to get outside of their school with other teams and see how other people from other places think."

Super Scream Bros is continuing their season and with the goal of bringing home first prize. 

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