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What is FIRST LEGOLEAGUE Challenge?
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When students are engaged in hands-on STEM experiences, they build confidence, grow their knowledge and develop habits of learning. When adults coach these students, they encourage them to try, fail, and try again, while connecting STEM concepts to real-wolrd examples.
FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge is the most accessible, guided, global robotics competition, helping students and teachers to build a better future together. The program is built around theme-based Challenges to engage children ages 9 to 16* in research, problem solving, coding, and engineering. The foundation of the program is the FIRST Core Values, which emphasize teamwork, discovery, and innovation. Students emerge more confident, excited, and equipped with the skills they need in a changing workforce. FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge is an alliance between FIRST and the LEGO® Group. *Ages 9 - 11 in Michigan. |
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Impact
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Proven, verifiable impact!
The positive impact FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge has on participants is gratifying and well documented. Over 88% are more interested in doing well in school, and 87% have more interest in attending college. FITST LEGO League teams get to!
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Team Basics
The really cool thing about FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge is…all skill levels are welcomed and needed, technical or non-technical. Please note FIRST does not match children to existing teams due our privacy policy. We encourage those looking for a team to contact their local schools, libraries, or youth organizations who may have a team in place or interest in starting one.
What does every first lego league challenge team need?
- 2 or more adult coaches willing and motivated to guide the team through the discovery and competition season (and beyond) – no special technical experience is required
- Up to 10 students ages 9 to 14 willing to put in time and do any job the team needs to succeed (lots of important jobs available for all skill levels and interests). In North America*, participants must be 9 to 14 years old.
- A suitable meeting place, either public or private, that can accommodate a 4 x 8-foot playing field table, and has internet access
- A standard Challenge Set and a common set of rules issued by FIRST and LEGO Education
- A paid team registration, official team number, and LEGO MINDSTORMS set
- The desire to learn, explore, strategize, build comradery, share ideas and talents, make new friends, be accepted, and HAVE FUN!
When does FIRST LEGO LEAGUE challenge HAPPEN?
The FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge season Challenge information is released in August. Teams generally form and register from May through September. The Innovation Project and build season begins right after Challenge is released. Tournament dates are from the first weekend of November to December in Michigan. Check with us for more details. Tournaments help determine which teams will earn spots at the FIRST® Championship at the end of April. There are also many off-season events in which teams can participate, strategize, hone their skills, learn new technology, meet other teams, and have fun!
What is the time commitment?
As a coach or volunteer, you should be meeting with your team once per week during the build and competition season (August - April). Many mature teams also meet throughout the school year, and some compete in off-season events during the summer. You, your family, and your available free time can decide together how much time you can devote to the program.
As a youth team member, the same applies. Be prepared to meet once per week from Mid-September through March. Like any sport or club, the more time you invest in helping your team will add to your team’s success.
As a youth team member, the same applies. Be prepared to meet once per week from Mid-September through March. Like any sport or club, the more time you invest in helping your team will add to your team’s success.
any special skills required?
The really cool thing about FIRST LEGO League Challenge is…all skill levels are welcomed and needed, technical or non-technical. Teams need all kinds of skills and creativity to succeed, so what are you good at? Chances are we have a job for you. And we’ll probably teach you a few new ones while you’re with us.
The most successful coaches are people with at least an interest in science and technology, and in helping kids discover and learn. But we can’t emphasize enough that no special technical skills are required. Anyone who wants to be a coach will receive all the training and help they need.
Youth team members are encouraged to bring any skills or interests they already have, but most importantly a desire to learn and solve problems as a team. FIRST LEGO League Challenge welcomes every student, with or without special skills. Like our coaches say, “This is the only sport where if you show up, you can play.”
The most successful coaches are people with at least an interest in science and technology, and in helping kids discover and learn. But we can’t emphasize enough that no special technical skills are required. Anyone who wants to be a coach will receive all the training and help they need.
Youth team members are encouraged to bring any skills or interests they already have, but most importantly a desire to learn and solve problems as a team. FIRST LEGO League Challenge welcomes every student, with or without special skills. Like our coaches say, “This is the only sport where if you show up, you can play.”
Cost & Registration
FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge teams can expect to pay approximately $800 for team registration, the Challenge Set and a reusable robot kit of parts. Additional costs for event participation, travel, food, team shirts and other optional items will vary. Veteran teams will pay less since the robot set can be used year after year. Team registration and the Challenge Set must be purchased every season
Start A Team
Each Challenge season has three parts: the Robot Game, the Innovation Project, and the FIRST Core Values.
Recruit up to 10 interested team members ages 9 to 11. Team members must not exceed the maximum age on January 1 of the year the Challenge is released. A coach is allowed to coach multiple teams. Once you have a team (you do not need all team member names yet), you may register.
Recruit up to 10 interested team members ages 9 to 11. Team members must not exceed the maximum age on January 1 of the year the Challenge is released. A coach is allowed to coach multiple teams. Once you have a team (you do not need all team member names yet), you may register.
Event Experience
A chance to shine! Each FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge season culminates with regional tournaments and championships where teams show off what they learned and invented, and compete with their robots. Some teams earn an invitation to FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge World Festival as part of FIRST® Championship Houston or FIRST® Championship Detroit, where teams from all over the world meet and compete.
Events at every level offer students an amazing experience as they celebrate their hard work, have fun, make new friends, and are exposed to ideas and ideology that will enhance their lives for decades to come.
FIRST LEGO League team members and adult coaches and volunteers all agree – season-ending events are the most amazing, inspiring experiences they’ve ever had. Where else can you make new friends, share ideas, solve problems on the fly, compete like crazy, and get pumped up over technology all while having the time of your lives? At FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge events, kids realize more than ever that FIRST® is all about teamwork, sharing, helping others, and respect.
FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge event timelines and the event registration process varies by region
Events at every level offer students an amazing experience as they celebrate their hard work, have fun, make new friends, and are exposed to ideas and ideology that will enhance their lives for decades to come.
FIRST LEGO League team members and adult coaches and volunteers all agree – season-ending events are the most amazing, inspiring experiences they’ve ever had. Where else can you make new friends, share ideas, solve problems on the fly, compete like crazy, and get pumped up over technology all while having the time of your lives? At FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge events, kids realize more than ever that FIRST® is all about teamwork, sharing, helping others, and respect.
FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge event timelines and the event registration process varies by region
Global Innovation
The FIRST® LEGO® League Global Innovation Award showcases the real-world, innovative solutions created by FIRST® LEGO® League teams from around the world as part of their annually themed Challenge.
Demonstrating originality, creativity, potential impact and value, 20 semi-finalist teams are recognized for their inventions, and receive assistance to further develop solutions, including $20,000 USD to the winning team.
Inspired to be the next generation of innovators, many teams go on to meet government leaders, receive patents, bring their inventions to market, and become entrepreneurs.
Learn more about award guidelines and team participation.
This year's Global Innovation Award is moving forward, and will shift to a virtual platform to judge and honor the 20 semi-finalist teams. The virtual judging of nominated teams from around the world is already underway. A new date will be shared in the coming weeks so you can tune-in and recognize how FIRST empowers young people to be catalysts for change.
Click below to receive updates about innovation and learn how to vote and watch the 10th Annual FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award.
Demonstrating originality, creativity, potential impact and value, 20 semi-finalist teams are recognized for their inventions, and receive assistance to further develop solutions, including $20,000 USD to the winning team.
Inspired to be the next generation of innovators, many teams go on to meet government leaders, receive patents, bring their inventions to market, and become entrepreneurs.
Learn more about award guidelines and team participation.
This year's Global Innovation Award is moving forward, and will shift to a virtual platform to judge and honor the 20 semi-finalist teams. The virtual judging of nominated teams from around the world is already underway. A new date will be shared in the coming weeks so you can tune-in and recognize how FIRST empowers young people to be catalysts for change.
Click below to receive updates about innovation and learn how to vote and watch the 10th Annual FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award.
