FIRST LEGO LEAGUE EXPLORE

Each year teams of 2-6 students embark on a themed challenge in which they build a LEGO model and create a team poster. Student teams meet once per week for 6-12 weeks for this hands-on program focused on building an interest in science and engineering in children ages 6-10.  Details of the annual challenge are released in early August. Visit the national FLL Explore webpage for more program details.

Using all LEGO elements, teams design and build a model based on the current Challenge theme that contains the Explore Set Mission Model and motorized component. Teams also research the season theme and present their findings on their team poster.

Teams learn and exemplify the FIRST philosophies of Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition through the Core Values. Teams are evaluated on how they work together.

The culmination of the season is an Explore Festival where teams gather to demonstrate what they learned about the season theme. Volunteer reviewers interview the teams to learn about their LEGO model, team poster, and season journey.

Forming Your Team

• Teams are required to have two adult coaches with a desire to have fun and learn with the team!
• Recruit 2-6 students in grades 2-4, ages 6-10.  

Registration is a two-step process – Teams must register nationally with FIRST and locally with FUNducation Central and West for an event.

• National registration, with FIRST, gets your team an official team number and the yearly Explore kit (included in your registration fee), access to the yearly Explore Documents, and to order a LEGO robot.  National registration is open from May-February.
• Event registration with the FUNducation Central and West region allows your team to register for local festivals. Teams must be registered nationally before registering locally with the Florida Central and West region.

Team Meet Up 

• Teams set their own schedule but typically meet once or twice per week for approximately 1 – 1.5 hours.
• Reference your yearly Team Meeting Guide for ideas on where to start and how to navigate the season.

Celebrate at Your Festival!

• These fun events are a chance for teams to celebrate what they have learned.
• FUNducation Central and West Region volunteer reviewers will talk with the kids about their model as well as what they learned about the yearly theme.
• Each festival will have an individual page linked from the calendar with event information.
• Be sure to share event information with families.
• All events are free and open to the public.

Prices below are for basic items needed for participation and do not include items such as team shirts, meeting supplies, or spare parts/LEGO bricks. All pricing is subject to change.

Rookie-YEAR TEAM

• LEGO Education SPIKE Essential Robot: $330
• FIRST National Team Registration and Inspire Set: $140
• FUNducation Florida Central and West Festival: TBD

Returning TEAM

• FIRST National Team Registration and Challenge Kit: $140
• FUNducation Florida Central and West Festival: TBD

As regional Program Delivery Organization and a STEAM nonprofit, FUNducation coaches teams and works with organizations and individuals to create and power their own successful teams. For more information, email suncoastfll@gmail.com.