How to Start a Junior Lego League Team

The Junior First Lego League (JFLL) is a partnership between the For Interest and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) organization and the Lego Group. The program is designed for 6- to 9-year-old children who are interested in science, technology and robotics. Working with an adult coach, these kids use Lego building sets to create something in response to the year's JFLL Challenge.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Gather a team of up to six children, ages 6 to 9 years, and one adult coach. Other adults can help the team as parent volunteers.

2. Register your team online (see Resources below), and pay the membership fee. You will receive an access code to the JFLL forum in which you can communicate with other Junior Lego League Coaches, learn about tournaments in your area and download resources, such as the Coaches' Guide and the Event Guide.

3. Buy a JFLL Base Kit. You can buy them at a discounted rate when you purchase your membership. These kits include the Lego Science and Technology Set, the Technology Power Add-On Set, a storage bin, sorting tray, and building instructions for several different models.

4. Check your email and the JFLL forum regularly for an announcement about the current year's challenge. These are usually announced around mid-September.

5. Meet once a week or so to work on your Challenge and practice building with Lego sets.

6. Sign up for and attend the JFLL tournaments. This is where you get evaluation and feedback on your work.

Tips & Warnings

• In addition to the JFLL Base kit, you may wish to purchase additional resources, such as the Science and Technology Activity Pack, Education Resource Set or additional Science & Technology Power Add-On Sets.
• Both membership fees and all JFLL products are non-refundable purchases.

Resources

• LEGO Education site.
• Junior FIRST LEGO League (JFLL)