BY JENNIFER BUNTING

Special to The Pilot

Belle Meade at St. Joseph of the Pines recently welcomed members of the Pope John Paul II Catholic School Lego/Robotics Club for a tour of the Henley restaurant's kitchen.

The club, which is affiliated with First Lego League (FLL), is a program of exploration for 9-14-year-olds designed to make science and technology more interesting and exciting.

"Our club has 23 students who will compete in a challenge comprised of a research project and a robot game," says Lori Haley, instructor. "This year's challenge is related to food safety."

Students enjoyed a tour through the Henley restaurant's kitchen, located in the clubhouse of Belle Meade. Sous chef Chabosca White conducted the tour and answered questions.

"I was surprised by how many questions the children had," says White. "Before I was finished answering one question, there were at least eight more raised hands! The kids really seemed to enjoy hearing about food safety; hopefully they'll do great at this year's challenge."

"Through this research project, students will explore an actual problem that today's scientists and engineers are trying to solve," says Haley. "As they work through the problem, students will develop an innovative solution and share their findings with others."

One of the most interesting components of the project involves the students programming a Lego robot to complete a variety of "missions" related to food processing, storage and preparation. All missions are constructed in large, 8- by 4-foot areas using Lego models built by students.

Organized regional competitions are held annually throughout the U.S. North Carolina's state tournament will be held in the early part of 2012.

To date, Pope John Paul II Catholic School has two registered competition teams.

St. Joseph of the Pines, a member of Catholic Health East, is sponsored by the Sisters of Providence and includes Belle Meade, Pine Knoll, Home Care, the Coventry, the Health Center, Therapy Village, L.I.F.E., Family Care Homes and Providence Place communities.