The LEGO First League (FLL) is an exciting, hands-on LEGO competition that challenges young minds to think critically, solve real-world problems, and work as a team. Targeted towards children aged 6 to 16 (depending on the country), FLL offers an incredible opportunity for kids to dive deep into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields while having fun and developing essential life skills. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about this LEGO competition, from setting up a team to training and participation.
What is the LEGO First League Competition?
The LEGO First League Competition is part of the larger FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) organization, which aims to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators.
The competition combines the excitement of LEGO building with the challenge of coding and robotics, specifically using kits like LEGO Mindstorms or LEGO SPIKE Prime. This competition pushes participants to innovate, think creatively, and apply STEM knowledge in practical ways.
Each year, FLL introduces a new challenge theme that revolves around a current global issue, such as climate change, energy efficiency, or urban development. Teams of kids work together to design, build, and program LEGO robots to complete specific tasks related to the theme. Additionally, teams must also research the theme and present their findings as part of the competition.
Who Can Participate?
FLL is open to kids aged 6 to 16 years old, with the age limits varying slightly depending on the country. The competition is divided into two categories:
FLL Challenge: For kids aged 9 to 16. This is the main category where teams design and build LEGO robots to complete missions on a thematic playing field.
FLL Explore: For younger children aged 6 to 10. This category focuses on introducing younger kids to STEM concepts in a fun and engaging way, with simplified challenges and a non-competitive environment.
How to Set Up a Team
Forming a team is one of the first steps to participating in the LEGO First League Competition. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:
1. Gather Your Team
A standard FLL team consists of 2 to 10 members, all within the eligible age range. The ideal team size is around 4 to 6 kids, which ensures that everyone can actively participate without the team becoming too unwieldy.
Parents, teachers, or other adults can serve as team coaches or mentors. While the kids do the actual building and programming, coaches guide them, help them stay organized, and provide support when needed.
2. Register Your Team
Once you’ve gathered your team, the next step is to register for the competition. Registration typically involves signing up through the official FIRST website, where you’ll provide details about your team and pay the registration fee. The registration fee covers your team’s entry into the competition and usually includes a set of LEGO bricks and the official challenge kit for the season.
3. Get the Necessary Materials
To participate in FLL, your team will need access to the following materials:
LEGO Mindstorms or SPIKE Prime Robot Kit: These kits include all the parts necessary to build and program a robot capable of completing the challenge missions.
Challenge Set: This is the thematic set of LEGO pieces and instructions provided by FLL each year. It includes the specific missions that your robot must complete on the competition’s playing field.
Computer or Tablet: To program the robot, you’ll need a device with the appropriate LEGO programming software installed.
Training and Preparation
Training is an essential part of getting your team ready for the LEGO First League Competition. Here’s how to approach it:
1. Learn the Basics of Robotics and Programming
If your team is new to robotics, the first step is to get comfortable with the basics of building and programming LEGO robots. Start with simple projects to help the kids understand how the various sensors, motors, and parts work together. LEGO Education offers a variety of tutorials and lesson plans that can help guide your team through the learning process.
2. Understand the Challenge Theme
Each year’s FLL challenge is based on a real-world theme. It’s important for your team to thoroughly understand this theme, as it will guide both the robot missions and the research project. Encourage your team to research the theme in-depth, exploring various aspects and identifying problems they’d like to address.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
Once your team has a basic understanding of robotics and the challenge theme, it’s time to start building and programming your competition robot. Start by constructing a simple robot and programming it to complete basic tasks. As your team gains confidence, begin working on the specific missions outlined in the challenge set.
Practice is key to success in FLL. The more time your team spends testing and refining their robot, the better they’ll perform during the competition. Encourage your team to iterate on their designs, learning from each failure and striving to improve with each attempt.
4. Prepare for the Research Project
In addition to the robot missions, FLL teams are required to complete a research project related to the challenge theme. This project involves identifying a real-world problem within the theme, developing a solution, and presenting that solution to the judges during the competition.
Encourage your team to be creative and think outside the box when approaching their research project. The presentation should be engaging, informative, and demonstrate the team’s understanding of the theme.
How to Participate in the Competition
Participating in the LEGO First League Competition is an exciting and rewarding experience. Here’s what to expect:
1. Local and Regional Tournaments
FLL competitions begin with local or regional tournaments, where teams from nearby schools and organizations compete against each other. These tournaments are typically held at schools, community centers, or other local venues.
During the tournament, your team will participate in three main areas:
Robot Performance: Your robot will be judged based on its ability to complete the challenge missions on the competition field.
Research Project Presentation: Your team will present their research project to a panel of judges.
Core Values: FLL emphasizes teamwork, inclusion, and respect. Your team will be evaluated on how well they demonstrate these core values throughout the competition.
2. Advancing to Higher Levels
Teams that perform well at the local level may advance to regional, national, or even international tournaments. The competition becomes more challenging at each level, with teams from across the country or world coming together to showcase their skills.
3. Celebrate and Reflect
Win or lose, participating in FLL is a valuable experience that teaches kids the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and innovation. Encourage your team to celebrate their achievements and reflect on what they’ve learned throughout the process.
Special Benefits of WCDC’s LEGO Robotics Program
At WCDC, we take pride in offering a LEGO class that not only prepares students for competitions like the LEGO First League but also fosters a lifelong love of learning and innovation. Our LEGO Robotics program is led by experienced instructors who have successfully guided teams to victory in state and regional competitions. We provide a structured, supportive environment where students can explore their creativity and develop critical thinking skills through hands-on, project-based learning. Additionally, WCDC offers flexible scheduling and personalized instruction tailored to each student’s unique learning style, ensuring that every participant can thrive. Join WCDC’s LEGO Robotics program and give your child the tools they need to succeed, both on the competition field and beyond.
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