FIRST® LEGO® League Explore Overview
Focused on building an interest in science and engineering in children ages 6 – 10 , FIRST® LEGO® League Explore (formerly known as FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. ) is a hands-on program designed to capture young children’s curiosity and direct it toward discovering how science and technology impact the world around them. This program features a real-world challenge, to be explored through research, critical thinking and imagination.
Guided by adult coaches, teams (up to six members, grades K – 4) explore a real-world scientific problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc. Then, they create a Team poster that illustrates their journey of discovery and introduces their team.
They also construct a motorized model of what they learned using LEGO® elements. In the process, teams learn about teamwork, the wonders of science and technology and the FIRST® LEGO® League Explore Core Values, which include respect, sharing and critical thinking. At the close of each season, teams come together at NSBE’s Annual Convention to show off their accomplishments, share ideas, celebrate and have fun! Every year, FIRST® LEGO League Explore works with experts in the field to create a Challenge that relates to an important real world issue. Past challenges have been based on topics such as nanotechnology, climate, quality of life for the handicapped population and transportation.
The end result of the design process is a challenge with two defined parts - the Team poster and the Model. The culmination of the hard work for our teams is the participation in the showcase event at NSBE’s Annual Convention. Volunteer reviewers at the event interview the teams to learn about their LEGO® Model and Team poster. All the teams are celebrated and leave with an award.
FIRST® LEGO® League Explore
teams get to:
- Explore challenges facing today’s scientists
- Discover real-world math and science
- Design and build a challenge-related model with a moving part using LEGO elements
- Create a Team Poster and practice presentation skills
- Develop teamwork skills
- Choose to participate in festivals and showcases
- Engage in team activities guided by the FIRST® Core Values
Core Values
FIRST® LEGO® League expresses its philosophies of Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition through its Core Values. We ask that everyone associated with every team understand and honor these Core Values:
- Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
- Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve our problems.
- Impact: We apply what we learn to improve our world.
- Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
- Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
- Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!
Model
The Model gets teams moving! Teams build a representation of what they are researching, based off the challenge and incorporate simple machines and movement into their creation.
- Create a Model that fits within a 15” x 15” footprint
- Design a Model made of LEGO® parts. Typically, a team of six will use 400 to 1,000 LEGO® parts during the season
- Must have at least one motorized piece on the Model
- Create a simple machine using LEGO® ramps, levers, pulleys, gears, wheels and axles, screws, or wedges and incorporates this into their Model
Application Procedure
NSBE FIRST® LEGO® League registration is completed via an online application through Jotform. The application can be found here.
To fully complete registration, each team must also complete registration at the FLL Website. Each team interested in participating for the program year must submit an application for the program and meet all of the team requirements. Completing all of the information in the application is vital.
NSBE FIRST® LEGO® League Registration Information
Team Requirements
Every NSBE FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. team must:
- Consist of a minimum of two and up to a maximum of six participants
- Consist of a combination of students in kindergarten through 4th grade
- Attend the 47th Annual Convention in Orlando, FL
- Consist of active NSBE Jr. members or active participants (if ineligible for membership) in an active NSBE Jr. Chapter
- Complete the application request before the deadline
- Assign a chapter advisor and team coach to complete the FIRST Youth Protection Program
(Each team needs two registered coaches through FIRST)
IMPORTANT NOTE: A NSBE FIRST®LEGO® League coach can prepare more than one NSBE FIRST®LEGO® League team for the Annual Convention showcase.
Critical 2020 - 2021 Dates
For quick reference, the following target dates are listed to ensure your participation in NSBE FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. For further information on the upcoming NSBE conferences, please visit nsbe.org.
TEAM RESPONSIBILITY & EVENTS | TARGET TIMEFRAME (NO LATER THAN) |
NSBE FIRST® LEGO® League Explore Team Application | Final submission deadline is Sunday, October 11, 2020. Participation confirmation will be sent out by Friday, October 16, 2020. |
NSBE FIRST® LEGO® League 2020 - 2021 Challenge | All teams need to register through the FIRST® website by October 11, 2020. NSBE FIRST® LEGO® League Explore details can be found on the FIRST® LEGO® League website. |
National Showcase | Held at NSBE’s Annual Convention March 10 - March 14, 2021, in Orlando, FL. |