Danielle Fairchild, age 3, of Duluth, Ga., held a pencil and for the first time wrote to a research team based in Gilbert and Ames.

This research team was not made up of typical scientists in white lab coats, but a group of 11- and 12-year-old girls who go by the title: Flying Monkeys.

The girls who make up this Girl Scout troop had set their sights far beyond cookie sales when they entered the FIRST Lego League Challenge, a competition in which teams execute a research project relating to a theme and build and program a Lego robot.

This year’s project was to focus on improving, healing and repairing the human body.

The six cadets chose to create a prosthetic right hand device for Fairchild; a project that eventually earned them first place at the Regional FIRST Lego League Competition and the first place Innovation Award.

The project, titled BOB-1, was flown 900 miles to Fairchild with a video from the Flying Monkeys on how to use their device. 

This project touches even closer to home for Claire Bassett, ISU alumna. She dedicated two years to coaching the Flying Monkeys.

Bassett’s various connections with FIRST Lego League and Women in Construction Engineering chapter brought her to the local Girl Scout troop.

“These girls taught me to have a new perspective on life and that it is important to always see things through fresh eyes,” Bassett said.

“No school project will remain with me like this has. I can truly look back on the influence and impact I had on these girls and know that we will stay in contact for years to come.”

Bassett plans to continue to stay in touch with the Flying Monkeys as they dedicate more time to community projects, spend nights hanging out and working toward future awards.

Zack Pachol, freshman in civil engineering, and Frank Sanchez, freshman in mechanical engineering, also offered their expertise and time to the group’s project.

From building up funds by selling cookies, to assisting with programming the device, they worked closely with the girls during the development of BOB-1.

“These are an amazing group of girls to work with and they have taught me that no matter how discouraging something can be, always look for the bright side,” Pachol said.

Melissa Murray, the Flying Monkeys’ Girl Scout leader, believes the success achieved comes from the support of Iowa State and the level of excitement so many ISU students have provided.

“The girls have learned that so much can be done with math, engineering and science while continuing to be creative and help others,” Murray said.

The excitement and critical thinking skills the ISU mentors brought to the table were critical to the group’s success, Murray said.

In an effort to help many more young children like Fairchild, the Flying Monkeys will compete for the Global Innovation Award against other FIRST Lego League teams.

The Global Innovation Award would grant the group $20,000 to patent their device and provide assistance to those in need.