What Is FIRST LEGO League?
What is FLL?
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.
FLL is the result of a partnership between FIRST and The LEGO Group. In 1998, FIRST Founder Dean Kamen and The LEGO Group's Kjeld Kirk Kristiensen joined forces to create FIRST LEGO League (FLL), a powerful program that engages younger children in playful and meaningful learning while helping them to discover the fun in science and technology. So far, FLL has reached more than 135,000 kids in 45 countries around the globe.
Vision
"To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes."
Dean Kamen, Founder
Mission
Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
Dean Kamen is an inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology. His passion and determination to help young people discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology are the cornerstones of
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).
FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.
Gracious Professionalism
Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST National Advisor and Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, coined the term "Gracious Professionalism."
Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It's a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.
With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions. Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. They avoid treating anyone like losers. No chest thumping tough talk, but no sticky-sweet platitudes either. Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended.
In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity.
Impact
FIRST works closely with research and academic organizations to provide tangible evidence of our impact on students' education and career choices.
Brandeis University Study
FIRST Robotics Competition
Recently, Brandeis University's Center for Youth and Communities conducted an independent, retrospective survey of FIRST Robotics Competition participants and compared results to a group of non-FIRST students with similar backgrounds and academic experiences, including math and science. Highlights of the study's findings include:
When compared with the comparison group, FIRST students are:
- More than 3 times as likely to major specifically in engineering.
- Roughly 10 times as likely to have had an apprenticeship, internship, or co-op job in their freshman year.
- Significantly more likely to expect to achieve a post graduate degree.
- More than twice as likely to expect to pursue a career in science and technology.
- Nearly 4 times as likely to expect to pursue a career specifically in engineering.
- More than twice as likely to volunteer in their communities.
FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
About Philadelphia FLL
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) holds a yearly robotics competition for high school students. Student teams are partnered with professional engineers who mentor the teams through the 6-week design and build cycle, with a provided kit of parts. Teams then compete head-to-head in regional and national competitions. FIRST also runs a Lego League for middle school students. Here, the participants use the LEGO MindstormsTM Robotics Invention System to construct and program their inventions. The LEGO robots are a popular choice for undergraduate and high school robotics courses.
Philadelphia FIRST LEGO League Tournament: Hosted by the University of Pennsylvania
Penn Engineering in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, this event welcomed over 1,000 middle school students and their families from the region. This event is comprised of a day-long series of friendly competitions in building challenges using LEGO blocks. During the school year, teacher workshops to assist educators in working with their school teams are offered, and Penn Engineering Undergraduate and Graduate students mentor teams through the design and strategy-planning phases.
Philadelphia FIRST LEGO® League Tournament
Introduces younger students (9-14yrs.) to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society.
Elementary and middle school students get to:
- Design, build and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology
- Apply real-world math and science concepts
- Research challenges facing today's scientists
- Learn critical thinking, team-building and presentation skills
- Participate in tournaments and celebrations
The result is a two-part Challenge that requires research to complete The Project, and science and engineering to master the complex missions of The Robot Game, which includes the Missions and the Rules. It's a fun way to get kids excited about science and technology.
School teams can download the Challenge project guidelines, access the rules and missions of the new robot game, and view a playing field at www.firstlegoleague.org
Registration is open to 40 teams: Email Velda Morris with Name, School, Grades, and Contact for fee.
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