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FIRST LEGO League (FLL)

Main Idea: FLL is much more than just LEGO robots. It is a competition where teams must not only build an autonomous robot but also present their own scientific research, and all of this must be guided by the principles of teamwork.

What makes it special?

• Three in One: Success in FLL depends on an equal contribution to three parts:
  • Robot Game: Teams build and program a fully autonomous robot using LEGO (Mindstorms/Spike), which must complete as many missions as possible on a themed field in 2.5 minutes.
  • Innovation Project: Teams must deeply research the annual theme (the same as WRO, e.g., «Energy,» «Logistics»), find a real problem in their city/region, and develop an innovative solution for it. This is a full-fledged scientific research project that needs to be defended before judges.
  • Core Values: The team is evaluated on how they work together. Respect, «Gracious Professionalism» (helping rivals), engagement, and the ability to enjoy the process are valued.
• Age Divisions: FLL is clearly divided by age so that it is interesting for everyone:
  • FLL Discover (ages 4-6): The very beginning, play and construction.
  • FLL Explore (ages 6-10): Teams create a small project and a motorized LEGO model.
  • FLL Challenge (ages 9-16): The «classic» league with the Robot Game, the Project, and Core Values.

Goal: FLL was not created to find the best programmer. It was created to teach children complex problem solving: to research, think like a scientist, build like an engineer, and work as a unified team.