Exploring the Foundations- An Introduction to the First LEGO League Experience

What is First Lego League (FLL)? First Lego League is a hands-on, real-world robotics program designed to engage and inspire young people ages 9 to 16 to develop an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It is an international program that has been running since 1998 and has grown to become one of the largest and most popular STEM programs for young people worldwide.

FLL combines the excitement of robots with the fun of sports. Teams of up to 10 students, with at least one coach, work together to build a robot using Lego Mindstorms EV3 sets, program it to perform tasks, and compete in a series of challenges. The challenges are designed to be engaging and educational, encouraging teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

The program is divided into two main components: the Robot Game and the Core Values Challenge.

The Robot Game involves building and programming a robot to complete a set of missions on a playing field. The missions change each year, and they are designed to be both fun and challenging. Teams must use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and build a robot that can perform tasks such as lifting objects, moving around obstacles, and navigating through mazes.

The Core Values Challenge is a more open-ended challenge that focuses on teamwork and community service. Teams must choose a real-world problem and develop a solution that can be implemented in their community. This challenge encourages students to think critically about the world around them and to use their STEM skills to make a positive impact.

Participation in FLL offers numerous benefits to young people, including:

– Developing STEM skills: Students learn how to use technology to solve real-world problems, which can help them develop a strong foundation in STEM subjects.
– Encouraging teamwork: FLL emphasizes the importance of working together to achieve a common goal, which can help students develop valuable teamwork and communication skills.
– Fostering creativity: The program encourages students to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to challenges.
– Building confidence: Students gain confidence as they learn new skills and take on new challenges.
– Making new friends: FLL is an international program, which means that students have the opportunity to connect with peers from all over the world.

First Lego League is more than just a robotics competition; it is a transformative experience that can have a lasting impact on young people’s lives. By providing a fun and engaging platform for learning, FLL helps to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.