CASTINE – Maine Maritime Academy will host the Northern Maine First LEGO League Tournament 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in MMA’s Alexander Fieldhouse.

Sponsored by Maine Robotics, the competition is one of two tournaments scheduled in Maine this year. The event is free and open to the public. Volunteers from the community are still needed to assist in all areas of competition organization.

This year’s theme, “Climate Connections,” requires children ages 9 to 14 to investigate how scientists learn about past climates and consider questions surrounding our current and future climatic conditions. The two-part challenge encompasses a research-based project followed by “The Robot Game,” a technical application of the science and engineering concepts investigated.

The 2008 competition at Maine Maritime Academy marks the fourth year that the college has played host to the event and the ninth year the event has run in Maine.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Amy Gutow, director of the MMA Conferences Department, at 326-2283. For information on the First LEGO League, visit www.firstlegoleague.org. For information on Maine Robotics, visit www.mainerobotics.org or contact Thomas Bickford, director, at 866-4340 or bickford@mainerobotics.org.