FIRST LEGO LEAGUE VISION
The FIRST LEGO league (FLL), which started in 1998, is an international program that introduces science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to children 4-16. There are three divisions based on age groups, where the participants receive real world problems solving experience through a guided, global robotics program. This year's theme is Cargo.
**For more information on First LEGO League robotics competition, please visit:
CORE VALUES
Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
Impact: We apply what we learn to improve our world.
Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!
FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Hosted by FIRST headquarters, FIRST Championship is a culminating, international event for our youth robotics competition season and an annual celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for our community as we prepare young people for the future. Qualification and advancement to participate in FIRST Championship varies by program.
FIRST LEGO LEAGUE - CHALLENGE
Game and season materials are available here.
The FIRST LEGO League Challenge is an international competition organized by FIRST and created by inventor Dean Kamen for elementary and middle school students. FIRST LEGO League’s three age-appropriate divisions inspire youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding, and design skills through hands-on STEM learning and robotics centered around a yearly theme. Beyond just building a robot, teams also work on an Innovation Project and focus on Core Values and teamwork exercises. A variety of LEGO® products are used in this competition, starting with DUPLO® bricks at the youngest level, then building robots using the LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 system, and finally using the LEGO Mindstorms system for the oldest division.
GRADE LEVELS: Three divisions, although the division for grades 4-8 is most popular. FIRST LEGO League Discover (ages 4-6; grades PreK-1); FIRST LEGO League Explore (ages 6-10; grades 2-4); FIRST LEGO League Challenge (ages 9-16; grades 4-8)
NEW SEASON STARTS: August
COMPETITION SEASON: Fall & Winter.
ROBOT SIZE: Small
TEAM SIZE: Limited to 2-10 students per team
COST: Medium. Approximately $1,200 to start a team. Successive years cost approximately $700
FIRST TECH LEAGUE
Checklist to Start an FTC Team
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FIRST Tech Challenge is another international robotics competition created by inventor Dean Kamen and MIT Professor Woodie Flowers. FTC differs from FRC in that it is for both middle and high school students, and the robots are significantly smaller. Robots are built from a reusable platform, powered by Android technology, and can be coded using a variety of levels of Java-based programming. Students still compete head to head in a new game each year, by designing, building, and programming a robot to play the game with an alliance with other teams. Participants are eligible to apply for $80M+ in college scholarships.
GRADE LEVELS: Middle & High School (7-12)
NEW SEASON STARTS: September
COMPETITION SEASON: Late Fall & Winter. Can run as long as April for teams that advance
ROBOT SIZE: Medium. Robot must fit in an 18" x 18" x 18" box
TEAM SIZE: Limited to 15 students per team
COST: Medium. $1,000 for reusable robot kit + $275 for annual registration + other materials