First Lego League Teams
Bubble
Skill
First Lego League Teams are student groups (ages 6–16) who participate in an annual, global robotics competition by designing, building...Show more
First Lego League Teams
Bubble
Skill
First Lego League Teams are student groups (ages 6–16) who participate in an annual, global robotics competition by designing, building, and programming LEGO robots and presenting research projects based on yearly themes.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
300K
Popularity
Medium
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
General Q&A
First Lego League (FLL) is a worldwide program where youth teams design, build, and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS to tackle an annual theme-based set of missions, combining robotics with research and innovation.
Community Q&A
First Lego League (FLL) is a worldwide program where youth teams design, build, and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS to tackle an annual theme-based set of missions, combining robotics with research and innovation.
Members meet regularly for build sessions, coordinate through after-school meetings or online platforms, and foster strong bonds via rituals like team chants, custom T-shirts, and coopertition with other teams.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Coopertition
Social NormsTeams embrace 'coopertition', blending fierce competition with genuine collaboration, valuing shared learning and mutual support even while striving to outdo rivals.
Core Values
Social NormsCore Values like 'Gracious Professionalism' aren't just slogans but fundamental norms guiding behavior, emphasizing respect, teamwork, and ethical competition unique to FLL.
Ritual Identity
Identity MarkersCustom chants, T-shirts, and build reveal events act as rituals to strengthen team identity and mark milestones, fostering a tribal sense of belonging distinct from casual LEGO fans.
Mentor Mesh
Community DynamicsMentorship is a multi-layered peer and adult network where technical skill, leadership, and confidence are socially cultivated through iterative feedback and storytelling of robot failures and wins.
Sub Groups
School-based Teams
Teams formed within schools, often with teacher coaches and school resources.
Community-based Teams
Teams organized through community centers, libraries, or independent groups.
Parent/Mentor Networks
Groups of parents and mentors who coordinate logistics, fundraising, and support.
Online Resource Sharers
Participants and alumni who create and share tutorials, strategy guides, and robot demos online.
Competition Organizers & Volunteers
Individuals and groups who run local, regional, and national FLL events.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 3
Schools & Academies
30%Most First Lego League (FLL) teams are formed and meet within schools or academies, where students collaborate, build, and practice together.
Educational Settingsoffline
Workshops & Classes
15%Many FLL teams participate in robotics workshops and specialized classes for hands-on learning and preparation.
Educational Settingsoffline
Community Centers
10%Community centers often host FLL teams, meetings, and outreach events, especially for teams not affiliated with schools.
Community Settingsoffline
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
Discover Similar Bubbles
Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Greeting Salutations
Example Conversation
Insider
Good luck and coopertition!
Outsider
Huh? What do you mean by coopertition?
Insider
It’s a mix of cooperation and competition—we compete, but we also help each other. It’s a core FLL spirit.
Outsider
Oh nice, that sounds really supportive!
Cultural Context
This greeting encapsulates the FLL ethos of supporting other teams while striving to do your best.
Inside Jokes
The robot is 'just resting'—while clearly stuck or malfunctioning.
Teams often joke that their robot is not broken but 'resting' during technical mishaps, poking fun at the stress and unpredictability of robotics.
Mission Impossible? More like Mission Accomplished!
A lighthearted reference to difficult tasks that teams manage to complete successfully, often after many failed attempts.
Facts & Sayings
„Coopertition“
A core First Lego League (FLL) value combining cooperation and competition, emphasizing helping other teams even while competing against them.
„Mission run“
The team’s attempt during competition to have their robot complete a specific task or challenge on the playing field.
„Core values“
The set of guiding principles in FLL emphasizing teamwork, respect, discovery, and gracious professionalism that teams strive to embody.
„Build reveal“
The event or moment when a team unveils their robot design for the first time, often celebrated within the team.
„MINDSTORMS“
The robotics platform and programming environment the teams use to create autonomous robots for challenges.
Unwritten Rules
Always bring spare parts and backup cables.
Robots frequently break or have connection issues; preparedness signals seriousness and helps avoid last-minute frustrations.
Respect other teams' workspace and ideas.
Sharing tools and knowledge fosters 'coopertition' and positive community spirit despite being competitors.
Practice explaining your research clearly and respectfully.
Communication is key during presentations; being clear shows professionalism and earns respect from judges.
Celebrate failures as learning moments.
Mistakes on robot runs or presentations are common; treating them constructively strengthens team morale.
Mentors guide but let kids lead.
To develop leadership and ownership, adults provide support but avoid taking control of tasks.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Sophia, 14
studentfemaleSophia is a high school student who has been on her First Lego League team for three years, passionate about robotics and STEM.
CollaborationInnovationPerseverance
Motivations
- To learn advanced robotics and programming skills
- To collaborate and compete with peers internationally
- To contribute creatively to the team’s research project
Challenges
- Balancing schoolwork with intense team commitments
- Overcoming technical problems with limited resources
- Navigating team dynamics and leadership roles
Platforms
Team group chats on WhatsAppSchool robotics club meetingsFLL regional event workshops
Autonomous modeProgramming blocksMissionsDesign iteration
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
Technologies
LEGO Mindstorms EV3
The most widely used programmable robotics kit in FLL, combining motors, sensors, and an intelligent brick.↗
STEM EssentialBrickEra
LEGO SPIKE Prime
The newer, colorful robotics set aimed at middle-school competitors, with enhanced sensors and Python-compatible coding.
NextGen KitMiddleSchoolFocus
LEGO WeDo 2.0
An introductory robotics platform often used in the younger age bracket (6–10) to teach basic programming and engineering concepts.
ElementaryIntroDragDropCoding
LEGO Mindstorms NXT
The predecessor to EV3, still cherished by veteran teams for its robustness and community resources.
ClassicPlatformVeteranFavorite
LEGO Education Software
The official graphical programming environment (and now also Python-based IDE) that teams use to code their robots.
OfficialIDEGraphicalCoding
1 / 3
1 / 3
Technologies
LEGO Mindstorms EV3
The most widely used programmable robotics kit in FLL, combining motors, sensors, and an intelligent brick.↗
STEM EssentialBrickEra
LEGO SPIKE Prime
The newer, colorful robotics set aimed at middle-school competitors, with enhanced sensors and Python-compatible coding.
NextGen KitMiddleSchoolFocus
LEGO WeDo 2.0
An introductory robotics platform often used in the younger age bracket (6–10) to teach basic programming and engineering concepts.
ElementaryIntroDragDropCoding
LEGO Mindstorms NXT
The predecessor to EV3, still cherished by veteran teams for its robustness and community resources.
ClassicPlatformVeteranFavorite
LEGO Education Software
The official graphical programming environment (and now also Python-based IDE) that teams use to code their robots.
OfficialIDEGraphicalCoding
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 3-4 weeks
1
Attend a Local FLL Event
2-4 hoursBasic
Summary: Visit an official FLL tournament or scrimmage to observe teams and competition flow firsthand.
Details: Attending a local First Lego League (FLL) event is a crucial first step for newcomers. By observing a real tournament or scrimmage, you gain direct exposure to the competition's structure, team dynamics, and the types of challenges involved. Watch how teams present their projects, interact with judges, and operate their robots on the field. Take notes on team organization, robot designs, and presentation styles. Engage with volunteers, coaches, and team members—most are happy to answer questions and share insights. Common challenges include feeling overwhelmed by the energy and complexity; overcome this by focusing on just one or two teams and following their journey through the event. This step is important because it grounds your understanding in real-world practice and helps you visualize your own participation. Evaluate your progress by your comfort level in explaining the event's flow and identifying key components of a successful team.
2
Explore FLL Challenge Materials
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Download and review the current season’s official challenge guide, rules, and field setup documents.
Details: Familiarizing yourself with the official FLL challenge materials is essential for meaningful engagement. Each season, FLL releases a comprehensive challenge guide, including robot game missions, project themes, and judging rubrics. Download these materials from the official FLL website or request them from a local team or coach. Read through the rules, mission descriptions, and scoring guidelines. Try to visualize the field setup and the types of tasks robots must complete. Beginners often overlook the importance of thoroughly understanding the rules, leading to confusion or disqualification during competitions. To overcome this, take notes, highlight key points, and discuss unclear sections with experienced participants online or in person. This step is foundational, as it sets the framework for all team activities. Progress is measured by your ability to summarize the season’s challenge and explain the main rules to others.
3
Join or Visit a Team Meeting
1-2 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Participate in or observe a local FLL team’s practice session to see team roles and workflows in action.
Details: Joining or visiting a team meeting provides hands-on insight into how FLL teams operate. Reach out to local schools, libraries, or community centers to find teams open to visitors or new members. During the meeting, observe how teams brainstorm, divide tasks, build and program robots, and prepare presentations. Pay attention to the different roles (builder, programmer, researcher, presenter) and how team members collaborate. Beginners may feel intimidated by the technical aspects or established group dynamics; overcome this by asking questions and expressing genuine interest—most teams welcome enthusiastic newcomers. This step is vital for understanding the day-to-day realities of FLL participation and for building connections within the community. Evaluate your progress by your ability to describe team roles and identify which aspects of FLL most interest you.
1
Attend a Local FLL Event
2-4 hoursBasic
Summary: Visit an official FLL tournament or scrimmage to observe teams and competition flow firsthand.
Details: Attending a local First Lego League (FLL) event is a crucial first step for newcomers. By observing a real tournament or scrimmage, you gain direct exposure to the competition's structure, team dynamics, and the types of challenges involved. Watch how teams present their projects, interact with judges, and operate their robots on the field. Take notes on team organization, robot designs, and presentation styles. Engage with volunteers, coaches, and team members—most are happy to answer questions and share insights. Common challenges include feeling overwhelmed by the energy and complexity; overcome this by focusing on just one or two teams and following their journey through the event. This step is important because it grounds your understanding in real-world practice and helps you visualize your own participation. Evaluate your progress by your comfort level in explaining the event's flow and identifying key components of a successful team.
2
Explore FLL Challenge Materials
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Download and review the current season’s official challenge guide, rules, and field setup documents.
Details: Familiarizing yourself with the official FLL challenge materials is essential for meaningful engagement. Each season, FLL releases a comprehensive challenge guide, including robot game missions, project themes, and judging rubrics. Download these materials from the official FLL website or request them from a local team or coach. Read through the rules, mission descriptions, and scoring guidelines. Try to visualize the field setup and the types of tasks robots must complete. Beginners often overlook the importance of thoroughly understanding the rules, leading to confusion or disqualification during competitions. To overcome this, take notes, highlight key points, and discuss unclear sections with experienced participants online or in person. This step is foundational, as it sets the framework for all team activities. Progress is measured by your ability to summarize the season’s challenge and explain the main rules to others.
3
Join or Visit a Team Meeting
1-2 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Participate in or observe a local FLL team’s practice session to see team roles and workflows in action.
Details: Joining or visiting a team meeting provides hands-on insight into how FLL teams operate. Reach out to local schools, libraries, or community centers to find teams open to visitors or new members. During the meeting, observe how teams brainstorm, divide tasks, build and program robots, and prepare presentations. Pay attention to the different roles (builder, programmer, researcher, presenter) and how team members collaborate. Beginners may feel intimidated by the technical aspects or established group dynamics; overcome this by asking questions and expressing genuine interest—most teams welcome enthusiastic newcomers. This step is vital for understanding the day-to-day realities of FLL participation and for building connections within the community. Evaluate your progress by your ability to describe team roles and identify which aspects of FLL most interest you.
4
Experiment with LEGO Robotics Kits
3-5 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Get hands-on with a LEGO robotics kit (e.g., Mindstorms or SPIKE Prime) to build and program simple mechanisms.
Details: Practical experience with LEGO robotics kits is a core skill for FLL. If you have access to a kit (through a school, library, or friend), start by assembling basic models and using the included software to program simple movements (e.g., drive forward, turn, use sensors). Follow beginner tutorials to understand how motors, sensors, and programming blocks interact. Beginners often struggle with the initial setup or troubleshooting errors; overcome this by using step-by-step guides and seeking help from online communities. This step is crucial because robot design and programming are central to FLL competitions. Progress is measured by your ability to build a robot that can perform basic tasks and your comfort with the programming interface.
5
Connect with FLL Community Online
1-2 hours (ongoing)Basic
Summary: Join online forums or social media groups to ask questions, share progress, and learn from experienced participants.
Details: Engaging with the broader FLL community online provides ongoing support, inspiration, and resources. Join forums, social media groups, or chat platforms dedicated to FLL. Introduce yourself, ask beginner questions, and share your experiences or challenges. Participate in discussions about strategy, robot design, and project ideas. Beginners sometimes hesitate to post, fearing their questions are too basic; remember, these communities are built to support newcomers. Use search functions to find answers to common questions and contribute when you can. This step is important for staying updated on rule clarifications, event announcements, and best practices. Progress is evident when you feel comfortable interacting, receive helpful feedback, and start building relationships with other FLL enthusiasts.
Welcoming Practices
„Team introductory meetings with icebreaker games“
New members break the ice and feel comfortable, reinforcing the team’s collaborative culture from the start.
„Assigning a mentor buddy to each rookie“
Helps newcomers learn the ropes quickly and feel part of the team community.
Beginner Mistakes
Focusing too much on robot design and neglecting research or core values.
Balance robot building with the research project and teamwork to align with FLL’s holistic evaluation.
Trying to do everything oneself instead of collaborating.
Encourage sharing tasks and ideas; teamwork is essential for success.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Contribute consistently during build season
Regular involvement, ideas, and effort demonstrate commitment to the team.
Master at least one core skill (e.g., programming, design, research)
Having a specialty builds confidence and earns respect from peers and mentors.
Demonstrate leadership by helping others and embodying core values
Showing teamwork and guiding newcomers signals maturity and earns status.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American teams often have strong sponsor support from schools or local businesses, enabling more resources for travel and equipment.
Europe
European teams sometimes have more formal mentoring programs connected with universities and technical institutes.
Asia
In Asia, some teams emphasize programming and coding skills heavily, reflecting regional education focuses.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
FLL is just a Lego building club.
Reality
It’s a rigorous STEM program focused on robotics design, programming, strategy, research, and teamwork development.
Misconception #2
Only kids with advanced coding skills can participate.
Reality
Teams include members with diverse skills from coding novices to builders and researchers, emphasizing learning and collaboration.
Misconception #3
The competition is all about winning.
Reality
FLL promotes 'Gracious Professionalism' where learning, sharing, and mutual support are as important as rankings.
Clothing & Styles
Custom team T-shirts
These shirts, often designed with team logos and colors, foster identity, unity, and pride during competitions and events.
Team hats or badges
Accessories featuring the team logo or FLL branding help members stand out and reinforce group cohesion in large tournaments.
