About

FIRST LEGO League Explore, commonly known as FLL Explore, is part of the introductory programs of FIRST. FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an international program organized by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). It brings together small teams of students who work together to create and program a team model using that year's LEGO models, learn Core Values, and create a poster to summarize their accomplishments. 

Join the FIRST LEGO League Explore program (FLL Explore) and explore the world of FIRST, STEAM, and LEGOs! Here is what you can expect during an FLL Explore season:

• Weekly Meetings: Participate in regular weekly meetings where students collaborate with teammates and work together to prepare for the Expo. 

  • Season Models: Throughout the season, teams will have the opportunity to build three different season models. These models change easch year based on the theme, and serve as a key component in the team's presentation

  • Team Model: Using creativity and problem-solving skills, teams design and construct a unique model that offers a solution to a modern-day problem. The theme and topic of the problem change annually, allowing for new and exciting challenges.

  • Programming: Utilizing the LEGO Spike Education platform, students learn to program various motors and sensors to bring the Team Model to life. By mastering coding skills, teams make the model functional and interactive.

  • Team Poster: To showcase the team's journey and accomplishments, teams  create a visually appealing poster. This poster will effectively communicate progress, discoveries, and experiences throughout the season.

  • Core Values: Core Values are an integral part of FLL Explore. Students continuously focus on learning and demonstrating the Core Values in each team meeting. Each week, a new Core Value will be introduced, and teams explore its meaning and practice it through engaging activities.

• Expos - Little Joe LEGO Show! and Lance-a-bot Mania:  The culmination of the season is an Expo event where teams and their families celebrate everyone's achievements. At the Expo, teams will have the opportunity to showcase their Team Model, present the poster, and engage in various activities with other teams. Both Expos occur in mid to late November. 

  • Activities: Students at the Expo will participate in different activities possibly including making a giant LEGO sculpture with other teams, coloring, watching FLL Challenge missions, etc.

  • Reviewing: During the Expo, a team of reviewers will interview each team and assess performance. Based on their evaluation, they will recognize each team with an award that highlights their strengths and accomplishments. Every student will receive a medal and a Certificate at the Expo, along with their award recognition.

  • Awards: FLL Explore offers a range of awards in different areas to recognize teams for their outstanding performance. Regardless of the award category, each team will be acknowledged and presented with an award, celebrating their hard work and dedication.

Time Commitment

Students involved in FLL Explore have one meeting a week, and are expected to attend all of the meetings unless due to extenuating circumstances. Each meeting contents builds upon the last, and missing one or more meetings will negatively impact both the team and the student's progression. 

Events

Teams are expected to participate in two events during the course of the season - FLL Parent Night, and Lancer-Bot-Mania.

FLL Parent Night - Takes place the Monday Night before Lancer-Bot-Mania

Lancer-Bot-Mania - Takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving Break

What are the FIRST Core Values?

The FIRST Core Values emphasize friendly sportsmanship, respect for the contributions of others, teamwork, learning, and community involvement and are part of our commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

Remembering the Core Values

Sometimes remembering what all the Core Values mean can be difficult - so we have motions to help! Do the action in (parentheses) on the Bolded word - make sure to emphasize them! Pictures are also available to help our visual learners.

More about Core Values

FIRST is dedicated to providing a comprehensive learning experience for students, extending beyond STEAM education. In addition to teaching technical skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, FIRST recognizes the importance of fostering soft skills and social development among its participants.

Through the Core Values of Teamwork, Innovation, Fun, Diversity, Inclusion, and Impact, FIRST instills in students a set of guiding principles that shape their experiences and interactions within the program. These Core Values serve as a foundation for personal growth and emphasize the importance of collaboration, creativity, and positive engagement.

Teamwork lies at the heart of FIRST, encouraging students to work together effectively, respect each other's ideas, and appreciate diverse perspectives. By actively participating in team activities, students develop essential communication, collaboration, and leadership skills that are valuable in both academic and professional settings.

Innovation is another key aspect of FIRST, encouraging students to think critically, solve problems, and develop creative solutions. Through hands-on projects, students learn to approach challenges with curiosity, exploring new ideas and applying their knowledge to real-world situations. This fosters a mindset of innovation and an ability to adapt to evolving circumstances.

Fun is an integral part of the FIRST experience. By incorporating elements of enjoyment, excitement, and friendly competition, FIRST creates a positive and engaging environment for students to explore their passions and develop a love for learning. The program aims to make the learning process enjoyable, motivating students to pursue their interests with enthusiasm and dedication.

Diversity and Inclusion are highly valued within FIRST. The program emphasizes the importance of embracing differences, promoting equality, and creating an inclusive community. Students learn to appreciate and respect individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultivating a sense of empathy and understanding that extends beyond the program itself.

Finally, FIRST encourages students to consider the Impact of their work on others and society as a whole. By engaging in community service, outreach initiatives, and projects with a purpose, students develop a sense of social responsibility and understand the broader implications of their actions.

In summary, FIRST goes beyond teaching technical skills in STEAM by prioritizing the development of soft skills and social competencies. By embracing teamwork, innovation, fun, diversity, inclusion, and impact, students gain a holistic educational experience that prepares them not only for success in STEAM fields but also for personal growth and effective participation in the world around them.