Robotics team learns about farming

SPARTA — For the first time, Sparta Middle School has First Lego League (FLL) Robotic teams. The four teams are preparing to compete at the regional FLL Food Factor Challenge on Dec. 3. They have to create an innovative solution to a food-related contamination problem using a robot they build and program. One of the teams was inspired by the outbreak of listeriosis and are studying cantaloupes. As part of their research they visited Starbrite Farms in Andover and spoke with Farmer John Krueger, where they learned so much about the science behind farming. Krueger discussed the entire process a cantaloupe would take from farm to table with the team.