How to Compete in the FLL LEGO Competition

The FLL LEGO Competition is an excellent scholastic opportunity for students. Lego enthusiasts, scientific minds, math experts and future engineers team up to compete in the FLL LEGO competition each year. The FLL LEGO Challenge is different each year and varies by age group, but one thing remains constant: it takes a special kind of skill set and strong teamwork to compete in the FLL LEGO Tournament.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• FLL Lego Team coach
• Team mentors
• Team members
• Creativity
• Imaginiation
• Skills

1. Research FIRST and the FLL Lego competition. FLL stands for FIRST LEGO League and notes the combined efforts of the LEGO company and the organization FIRST. Since 1989, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) has worked to promote science and technology innovation, education and careers with youths across the United States. FIRST
2. Find a local FLL (FIRST LEGO League) team through the US FIRST website and find out if you can join. If there is no FLL Lego team near you with space, organize a new FLL Lego team. You'll need a team leader (usually a science or math teacher), about two adult mentors, and teammates.
3. Find a sponsor. Having a company sponsor your FLL LEGO team will go a long way toward your success, as there are many costs involved with the materials needed and attendance at the FLL LEGO tournaments.
4. Attend FLL Lego team meetings. Your FLL LEGO team leader will register your team and order the FLL LEGO kit. Decide which team memebrs will be responsible for different aspects of the work: building the robot, doing the research project, figuring out the computer programming, designing a team logo and other important aspects.
5. Review the year's FLL LEGO Challenge as soon as it is announced in September. Read the Challenge, rules and guidelines online and discuss the project with your team mates.
6. Brainstorm for innovative and practical solutions to the year's challenge. Research computer robotics and design in relation to the unique challenge presented.
7. Work together with your team members on the FLL LEgo Challenge to achieve the common goal. Network with other FLL LEGO teams to share ideas and solve common problems. Join the FLL International forum on the US FIRST website.

Tips & Warnings

• Organize your FLL Lego team before the year's Challenge is released in September so you'll be ready to roll when it is announced.