FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is a division of the FIRST Competition created to involve middle school students in competition robotics and scientific exploration. The students work with LEGO Robotics kits to design and compete with a robot in a small-scale game. The FLL game is released every fall and has a different ‘theme’ each year. This year’s game, Smart Move, revolves around transportation and introduces young children to engineering challenges.
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an exciting and fun global robotics program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, and technology in kids ages 9 to 14 (16 outside of the U.S. and Canada). Each year FLL teams embark on an adventurous Challenge based on current, real-world issues. Guided by a team coach and assisted by mentors, the kids:
- Research and solve a real-world problem based on the Challenge theme
- Present their research and solutions
- Build an autonomous robot using engineering concepts
Using the yearly Challenges, FLL:
- Entices kids to think like scientists and engineers
- Provides a fun, creative, hands-on learning experience
- Teaches kids to experiment and overcome obstacles
- Builds self-esteem and confidence
- Inspires kids to participate in science and technology
No matter what the child’s subject interest, FLL offers an opportunity for engagement. Whether it is by creativity, technology, or research, FLL dares kids to test, explore, expand, or completely change thoughts and approaches for different sciences each year. Climate Connections Challenge revealed! Plus, get a preview of the new FLL and Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL) social site (www.firstlegoleague.org) as you check out the Challenge FLL teams will storm this year.
In 2008 Team 229 embarked on journey that began with a vision to expand beyond its role in the FRC to working with the First Lego League. Envisioned by one of our Team Advsiors Dr. James Carroll and a few students, the goal was to found Lego League Teams throughout the North Country Elementary Schools and provide these teams with the guidance and mentorship needed to succeed. To provide a capstone to this vision Team 229 would host an official FIRST FLL tournament where the local teams and teams from other states and countries could compete. Now in 2010 Team 229 has made that vision come true for the past 2 years with found and mentoring of 17 FLL teams. With team members traveling to the 17 local elementary schools and working from a remote facility equipped with a Smart Board, Cameras and the latest computers and software, these local FLL teams receive the best mentoring possible. This year the Northern New York Tournament at Clarkson, completely run by members of 229, was host to over 25 FLL teams and their parents.
