FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an international robotics program designed to introduce young students to the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). FLL engages students ages 4-16 (age ranges vary by country) in hands-on learning through robotics, problem-solving, and teamwork, encouraging them to explore real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions.

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How FIRST LEGO League Works

FLL is divided into three age-based divisions:

1. FIRST LEGO League Discover (ages 4-6):
   This division introduces the youngest participants to basic STEM concepts through fun, interactive challenges using LEGO Duplo. Kids work together to explore simple engineering and coding concepts in a playful, team-based environment.

2. FIRST LEGO League Explore (ages 6-10):
   At this level, students dive deeper into STEM concepts by designing and building models using LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 kits. Teams are given a season theme and asked to research real-world problems. Their journey culminates in creating a model and a poster to present their findings, fostering creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking.

3. FIRST LEGO League Challenge (ages 9-16):
   In FLL Challenge, students work in teams to design, build, and program autonomous LEGO robots using LEGO SPIKE Prime or LEGO Mindstorms kits. They compete in a "Robot Game" where their robots complete specific tasks on a themed playing field. Alongside the robot game, students also engage in a Research Project, in which they identify a real-world issue and propose an innovative solution related to the season’s theme.

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Components of FIRST LEGO League Challenge

FLL Challenge teams are judged in three key areas:

1. Robot Game:
   Teams design and program their robots to complete missions on a themed game board. The missions change each season and encourage creative solutions to tackle various tasks autonomously.

2. Innovation Project:
   Each year, teams are given a challenge theme based on a real-world issue (such as space exploration, renewable energy, or urban planning). Teams research the problem, come up with a solution, and present it to judges. This process teaches students to think critically, collaborate, and engage with their community.

3. Core Values:
   FLL emphasizes discovery, inclusion, teamwork, and fun through its Core Values. Teams are expected to exhibit Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition, meaning they compete in a friendly, respectful manner while helping others succeed.

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Why FIRST LEGO League?

FLL is more than just a robotics competition—it’s a platform that encourages kids to develop valuable life skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and public speaking. The program fosters an early interest in STEM careers by making learning fun, exciting, and relevant.

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By participating in FLL, students gain hands-on experience in robotics and technology, while also learning to be leaders, innovators, and confident thinkers. The skills and friendships developed in FLL often last well beyond the competition season, setting students on a path for future success in academics and careers.

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Themes and Challenges

Each year, FLL presents a new theme and challenge that relates to current global issues. Past themes have included "Hydro Dynamics" (water management), "City Shaper" (urban design), and "Cargo Connect" (transportation and logistics). These themes inspire students to think about the world around them and consider how technology and innovation can solve big problems.