FLL team Deep Blue Scientists of 2024/2025!

An active, fun and smart team with a fantastic goal: To help corals in a fun way.

 

Vinn, Jos, Sem, Norbert, Luiza, Reuben, Ivan, Joris, Fabian and Floris are committed to making this great idea a reality!

 

They have different qualities but Lego, Sociability and Creativity makes them 1 whole.

 

Come and see them on February 22, 2025 in Dynamo Eindhoven, where they will present their innovation but also let their amazing robot compete to get attention for this topic!

 

Research for medicines with Coral against viruses, AIDS and Cancer must continue! 

1. With our First Lego League project, we have a new theme every year. This year the Ocean is: Submerged. Great fun!

Plastic soup we already know a little bit about so the start of our research was soon underway. 

With YouTube videos and information from websites, we started brainstorming and discussed as a team what we think about it and how we want to tackle it.

2. So we came across some problems, this is the 1st step of the whole project topic. 

We have chosen 3 to tell which are the biggest:

1. Coral dies off

2. There is way too much pollution in the sea

3. And as many may already know, is that we are facing Global Warming. This includes sea water, which has several negative consequences.

4. In addition, there is far too much fishing, therefore certain species are in serious trouble.

4. We saw how beautiful coral is but also how important coral is since medicine can also be made from it. That is why we chose to go and help the coral. 

Now what is coral? Did you know that Coral is a small animal? And a baby Coral is called a polyp.

Between Coral it is ok always a breeding ground and nursery for all kinds of fish and sea creatures that can grow up there safely.

Corals do need Algae, and Algae provides nutrition and the beautiful colors they have. 

5. Now Coral is dying off and is now becoming an endangered species. We have chosen 3 problems to zoom in on for a moment:

1. Pollution: because of all that litter, the animals suffocate and/or are poisoned by it

2. Water warming has 1 huge negative effect: it kills algae. The Corals need the algae to live.

3. The lionfish: There are several animals but the lionfish is a very beautiful “devil” It eats everything and does not belong there originally, because they are present in large numbers in the reefs, there is a big problem of starvation of other animals.

6. Now there are already some solutions:

Researchers are already busy looking at how to help corals.

Re-planting them on forms in the water, or going to catch and eat lionfish or make ornamental objects out of them. 

You can see from the pictures that a few little projects already exist.

7. Now of course in between we discussed and thought a lot about what could be good solutions.

 

A Carousel is fun and somewhat similar to what is already there but more fun.

 

“Coral Carousels” are rotating Lego structures that position coral fragments at different levels so that they receive optimal sunlight and currents. This system can be anchored to the surface with a small buoy.

But since we are also very much into Lego and want to bring this subject to everyone's attention, we also came up with a kind of Lego shape.

8. Look at that, For how much fun is Lego!

This must make people eager to get into action we think.

 

Lego Coral Pods: Modular Coral Plant Capsules

Description

 

“Lego Coral Pods” are modular, biodegradable Lego shapes that contain coral fragments. These Lego structures can be placed in clusters by divers or underwater drones. They provide a safe and stable base for coral growth and are designed to adapt to different sea beds.

 

Innovative Features:

• Click-and-grow design: The lego shapes easily click together. This is fun and convenient because you can make different shapes. 
• Coral growth stimulation: A nutritious outer layer.
• Data Collection: Sensors that take measurements.
• Biodegradable Materials: Slow-soluble and calcium-rich material with minerals for growth. 
• Nutrition for Coral:  Kind of gel food inside the Pods with Algae and additional nutrients for the polyps.
• Food-Refill: An extra tray that is refillable for food and Algae.

Step-by-Step Description: Connecting Baby Corals on Lego Blocks 

 

1. Preparation of the Lego-Blocks.

- Apply Texture: The surface of the Lego blocks is treated or designed with a rough or porous texture. This helps the coral fragments adhere better and stimulates algae growth, which in turn provides food for the coral.

- Treatment with calcium-rich coating: The blocks can be covered with a biodegradable coating that contains calcium carbonate, an essential mineral for coral growth.

 

2. Selection and Preparation of Coral Fragments.

- Coral fragmentation: Healthy coral species are carefully cut into small pieces. This process, known as “fragmentation,” encourages regeneration because coral tends to grow faster from smaller fragments. 

- Sterilization: The fragments are cleaned and sometimes treated to prevent diseases and parasites.

 

3. Attachment to the Lego Block

- Biological Glue: A special, non-toxic, biodegradable glue is used to attach the coral fragments to the texture of the Lego block. This glue is safe for marine ecosystems and dissolves over time.

- Elastic Straps: Small elastic straps (made from biological material) can be used temporarily to hold coral fragments firmly in place until they adhere.

- Holes and Notches: Lego blocks can be designed with small holes or ledges into which coral fragments are placed. This provides stability and protects the fragments from currents and predators.

 

4. Placement in the Ocean.

- Fixing on the Sea Bottom: The Lego blocks are placed on stable substrates, such as sand or rocks. Divers or drones can do this depending on the location.

- Optimal Environment: They are strategically placed in areas with adequate light and current, which are essential for coral growth.

 

5. Natural Adhesion and Growth.

- Self-Adhesion: After several weeks, the coral fragments begin to release their own “cement” (calcium carbonate), permanently adhering to the Lego block.

- Ecosystem formation: As the coral grows, it attracts other marine life, such as fish and crustaceans, which contribute to a vibrant reef.

9. Benefits of These Ideas

• If coral stays, drug research can continue.
• Environmentally friendly
• Realistic: The ideas are feasible with existing technologies and scalable.
• Innovative: It is a new and fun idea to work on together.
• We are also contacting several innovative companies for this and setting up a new project STEAM4CHANGE to work with students to see how we can really start to develop this innovation.

10. Together with LEGO

 

Coral rescue with Lego = initiatives that use Lego to create awareness about protecting coral reefs.

There are educational building projects with Lego that teach people about coral and the threats it faces.

Lego itself supports sustainability initiatives including those focused on ocean and coral protection. Doing these projects is to raise environmental awareness and encourage action to protect coral reefs - Also Community Involvement through workshops in which people contribute to building these structures. This approach can create an interactive, educational and sustainable program that directly contributes to planting new coral and restoring ecosystems.

Here are two innovative and realistic ideas for planting new coral on Lego shapes, specifically designed to inspire the FLL “Deep Blue Scientists” team and preferably everyone in the world!

 

Supplemental Idea: Child Involvement.

 

An experimental setup can be built for the FLL team where children attach their own “coral fragments” (simulation with model material such as clay) to special Lego blocks. This teaches them about the care and precision required in real coral restoration.

 

Here are some ideas for companies or forms of organization that the FLL “Deep Blue Scientists” team could engage or establish themselves to realize such a project:

11. Existing Companies to Work Together

1. Environmental Technology Companies

Companies specializing in sustainable materials and techniques for marine applications, such as:

o Reef Design Lab: Innovators in the field of artificial reefs and 3D printed structures.

o Seascape Restoration Companies: Companies focusing on coral restoration and seafloor reconstruction.

 

2. Lego Group

Since Lego is already committed to sustainability, partnering with their sustainability department could be a good opportunity. For example, the team could propose making Lego-like modules from biodegradable materials.

 

3. Marine Research Institutions

Universities and research centers such as:

o Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

o Scripps Institution of Oceanography

These organizations can provide expertise on the biology of corals and marine ecosystems.

 

4. Non-profit organizations for Ocean Conservation.

Such as:

o Coral Restoration Foundation

o The Ocean Cleanup

These non-profits can provide funding, guidance and promotion for the project. 

 

Establishing Your Own Business: Possible Business Model

The team can create their own educational marine technology company focused on coral restoration through Lego-inspired solutions. Here is a step-by-step approach:

1. Company Name and Mission.

- Name: “Reef Builders” or “Coral Lego Labs”

- Mission: “Develop innovative and educational solutions to restore coral reefs and increase environmental awareness.”

2. Products and Services.

- Lego Coral Kits: DIY kits that allow children and communities to build coral restoration modules.

- Workshops and Trainings: Educational programs for schools, clubs and communities about coral restoration.

- Custom Coral Structures: Modular reefs designed for specific marine ecosystems.

3. Partners and Customers.

- Schools and Educational Organizations: For workshops and teaching materials.

- Local Communities: To implement coral projects directly in the ocean.

- Nonprofits and Governments: For grant projects focused on coral restoration.

4. Innovation and Materials.

- To collaborate with materials scientists and 3D printing companies to develop environmentally friendly and biodegradable Lego blocks.

5. Marketing and Engagement.

- Use social media and crowdfunding platforms to raise awareness and funding.

- Collaborate with influencers and well-known environmentalists for visibility.

 

Practical Starting Points

1. Cooperation with Local Dive Centers: These often have contact with organizations that focus on reefs.

2. Crowdfunding Campaigns: Platforms such as Kickstarter can be used to get funding for the first Lego coral modules.

3. Building Prototypes: Create scale models and test in an aquarium or controlled environment.

This approach allows the FLL team to both learn about entrepreneurship and have a lasting impact on the environment.

Funding a project focused on coral restoration with Lego-inspired modules can be approached in several creative ways. Here are some possibilities, specifically focused on the FLL team and their goal:

 

1. Crowdfunding

Platforms such as Kickstarter, GoFundMe, or Indiegogo offer the opportunity to reach a wide audience.

- What to offer donors: 

o Small rewards such as thank-you bills, miniature versions of Lego coral modules, or name recognition on the website.

o Educational content, such as videos about the project and updates on progress.

- Promotion: Use social media and local networks to share the campaign. Create an engaging video in which the team explains their idea.

 

2. Sponsorship by Businesses.

Local businesses, eco-friendly brands, and larger organizations may be interested in sponsorship.

- Companies approach: 

o Local Lego stores or distributors.

o Sustainability-oriented companies such as Patagonia, IKEA, or Lego Group itself. 

o Supermarkets or stores interested in green initiatives (e.g., for PR purposes).

- How to convince: Offer them visibility (e.g. logos on presentations, banners at events, or name entry on website).

 

3. Grants and Funds.

Several grants and funds are available for environmental projects, both nationally and internationally.

- Possible grants: 

o WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) offers funds for educational and environmental projects.

o National grants for nature conservation or innovation. For example, through EU programs such as Horizon Europe.

o Local initiatives: Municipalities or water boards often offer grants for environmental education.

 

4. School and Community Actions.

- Fundraising Events: 

o Organize a Lego building day in which people pay to help build.

o Sell homemade products, such as cards, drawings or small works of art made from Lego.

- Partnerships with Schools: Collaborate with other schools to organize larger actions, such as sponsor runs, fundraisers, or raffles.

12. Finally, here are the images with whom we have already made contacts so far.