Guide to build new FIRST Lego League team

Written by Eureka Robotix 02/03/2023

Want to start an epic FLL (FIRST Lego League) team? Let’s dive into the essentials, with a mix of professionalism, a hint of fun, and a whole lot of team spirit.

1. Get to Know FIRST LEGO League

FIRST LEGO League is a program designed for children aged 4-16, divided into three divisions: Discover (ages 4-6), Explore (ages 6-10), and Challenge (ages 9-14). Each division focuses on a different aspect of STEM learning and teamwork.

FLL Discover: An introductory STEM program that ignites curiosity and builds learning habits in young children.
FLL Explore: Teams learn about a scientific topic, present their findings, and build a LEGO model that moves.
FLL Challenge: Teams build and program an autonomous LEGO robot to perform theme-based missions and design a solution to a real-world problem.

Each August, FLL releases a new Challenge that revolves around a real-world scientific theme. The Challenge comprises three key components:

Innovation Project

Objective: Identify a real-world problem within the Challenge theme and develop an innovative solution.
What You’ll Do: Research the topic, brainstorm ideas, and create or improve a solution to address the issue.

Robot Game

Objective: Design, build, and program an autonomous LEGO robot to complete missions on a themed playing field.
What You’ll Do: Use LEGO robotics kits to build a robot that can navigate, capture, transport, or deliver objects on the game field.

Core Values

Objective: Embrace the spirit of friendly competition and collaboration.
What You’ll Do: Demonstrate teamwork, inclusion, discovery, and, most importantly, have fun!

2. Form Your Team

Gather a group of enthusiastic team members who are eager to learn and collaborate.

Team Size: Up to 10 members aged 9 to 14. Members must not exceed the maximum age as of January 1 of the year the Challenge is released.
Coaches: Each team needs at least one adult coach. Coaches can lead multiple teams if desired.
Inclusivity: Encourage diversity and inclusion within your team to bring a variety of perspectives and ideas.

Note: If you have more than 10 interested participants and cannot form a second team, you’ll need to select the final team members while respecting the official Participation Rules.

Scouting for Teammates

Skills: We’re on the hunt for both tech gurus and those who just gel well with others. While coding skills are a major plus, being able to communicate and collaborate is equally crucial. It’s all about balance.
STEM Lovers: Passion for science, tech, engineering, and math is key. When you’re genuinely excited about STEM, you’re more likely to pour your heart and soul into the projects, making them shine.
Diversity: A diverse team is like a melting pot of ideas. By bringing together people of different genders, ages, backgrounds, and experiences, we ensure a rich blend of perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions.
Been There, Done That: Experience isn’t a must, but it’s a definite bonus. Those who’ve been in FLL or robotics before can share their insights, guide new members, and help the team tackle challenges head-on.

And if you’re struggling to gather a crew, consider creating a catchy flyer or a Google Forms sign-up sheet. It’s a great way to see who’s interested and what they bring to the table.

Setting the Vibe

Commitment: Being part of an FLL team is a commitment. From regular meetings to practice sessions and competitions, everyone should be ready to invest time and energy.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: A successful team thrives on collaboration. Every member’s input is invaluable, and decisions should be a collective effort, ensuring everyone’s on the same page.
Learning on the Go: Everyone makes mistakes, but they’re just stepping stones. Adopting a growth mindset means viewing challenges as learning opportunities, helping the team evolve and improve.
Respect: A respectful environment is non-negotiable. Every team member should feel valued, and their ideas and opinions should be heard and considered.

3. Register Your Team and Acquire Materials

To officially participate, you’ll need to register your team and obtain the necessary materials.

Registration

Where to Register: Visit the FIRST LEGO League Registration Page to sign up.
Information Needed: Basic team information (you don’t need all team member names at this stage).

Materials to Order

Challenge Set: This includes the mission models and mat for the Robot Game. It’s updated annually to reflect the new Challenge theme.
LEGO Robotics Kit: You’ll need a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime or LEGO MINDSTORMS set to build your robot. If you already have one, you can reuse it.

For detailed pricing and ordering information, check out the FIRST LEGO League Products and Pricing.

4. Seek Support and Resources

Building a successful team often requires support beyond just your immediate group.

Funding

Budgeting: Estimate costs for registration, materials, travel, and other expenses.
Sponsorships: Reach out to local businesses, community organizations, or STEM grants.
Fundraising: Organize events or campaigns to raise money for your team.

Local Support

FIRST LEGO League Partners: Connect with your regional partner for guidance and resources. Find your partner here.
Mentorship: Seek advice from experienced coaches or teams in your area.

5. Prioritize Safety

Safety is paramount in all FIRST activities.

Youth Protection Program: All coaches and adult volunteers should familiarize themselves with the FIRST Youth Protection Program.
Training: Complete any required training modules and ensure safety protocols are in place during team meetings and events.

6. Dive into Coach and Team Resources

Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to lead your team effectively.

Preparation

Schedule: Plan for at least 8 weeks of preparation before tournaments, meeting 1-2 times per week.
Balance: Allocate time for both the Innovation Project and Robot Game. Decide whether to split focus during meetings or dedicate separate sessions for each.

Learning Materials

Resource Library: Access guides, tutorials, and activities in the FIRST Resource Library.
Challenge Materials: Once the Challenge is released, download all necessary documents detailing requirements and judging criteria from the FIRST LEGO League Challenge & Resources.

Coach Quick Tips

Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines, meeting agendas, and team progress.
Encourage Teamwork: Foster an environment where all team members feel valued and heard.
Emphasize Core Values: Regularly reflect on how the team is embodying the FIRST Core Values.

Learn more such tips

7. Team Dynamics

A sweet spot for team size is between 5 to 10 members. This ensures everyone has a role without feeling overwhelmed or left out.

Who Does What?

Robot Designer: This role is all about creativity and functionality. They focus on designing and building a robot that’s ready to face any challenge head-on.
Programmer: The tech whiz of the group. They’re in charge of coding the robot, ensuring it moves and operates seamlessly.
Researcher: They’re the team’s detective, diving deep into the FLL theme, gathering info, and helping shape a project that’s both relevant and impactful.
Strategist: With a keen eye for detail, they analyze the game board, pinpointing key missions and plotting the robot’s moves to maximize points.
Presenter: They’re the voice of the team, ensuring the project is presented clearly and engagingly during competitions.
Documenter: Keeping track of the team’s journey is crucial. From decisions made to changes in strategy, they ensure everything’s documented for reflection and review.
Mentor/Coach: An experienced guide, they provide insights, keep the team on track, and handle logistics like competition registration.

Roles can be flexible, but clarity is key. In a small team, one kid will do multiple roles. Everyone should know their responsibilities and feel confident in their contribution.

8.Breaking the Ice and Bonding

Ice Breakers:

Two Truths and a Lie: A fun way to get to know each other. Each member shares two truths and one fib about themselves, and the rest guess the lie. It’s a great way to share laughs and learn fun facts about teammates.
LEGO Story: A creative challenge where everyone gets a few LEGO pieces, builds something unique, and then shares the story or inspiration behind their creation.

Team Building Games:

Blindfolded LEGO Build: This game tests communication and trust. One person builds blindfolded, guided only by their partner’s verbal instructions.
Human Knot: A physical challenge that promotes teamwork. The goal is to untangle a human knot without letting go of each other’s hands.
Robot Relay: A test of coordination and collaboration. Team members guide a robot through an obstacle course, passing controls from one member to the next.

Incorporate these activities early on, and you’ll have a tight-knit, efficient team in no time. Now, gear up and let’s make some LEGO magic happen! 🤖🌟

Ready to Start Your FIRST LEGO League Journey?

Starting a FIRST LEGO League team is a rewarding experience that inspires creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. By following these steps and utilizing the available resources, you’ll set a strong foundation for your team to learn, grow, and have fun!

For any questions or additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local FIRST LEGO League partner or visit the FIRST LEGO League Website.