Utah FIRST LEGO League

FIRST® LEGO® League

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Contact us

Utah FIRST® LEGO® League
University of Utah
105 Fort Douglas Blvd #604
SLC, UT 84113
801-585-3198
utfll@utah.edu


What is FIRST® LEGO® League?

Introduction

FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO® League (FLL) is an exciting, fun global robotics and innovation program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, teamwork and technology in kids ages 9 to 14 (16 outside of the U.S., Canada and Mexico).

Students have the opportunity to solve real-world challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society.

Elementary and middle-school students get to:

  • Design, build and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology
  • Apply real-world math and science concepts
  • Research challenges facing today’s scientists
  • Learn critical thinking, team-building and presentation skills
  • Participate in tournaments and celebrations

What FLL teams accomplish is nothing short of amazing. It's fun. It’s exciting. And the skills they learn will last a lifetime.

How does FLL work?

FLL brings theory and practice together in a revolutionary program. FLL empowers kids to combine what they've learned in the classroom with the latest technologies to solve the yearly challenge.

Working in an environment that encourages inquiry and hands-on experimentation, team members fulfill project responsibilities modeled after actual professions. The roles they assume grant them the thrill of discovery as they witness firsthand how abstract concepts become concrete solutions.

FLL Teams are comprised of:

  • 3-10 kids, ages 9-14 (16 outside the U.S. and Canada)
  • An adult coach
  • Mentors

Who can form a team?

Anybody can form a team — schools, home schools, churches, neighborhood groups, civic groups, etc. The kids on the FLL teams, with the help of the adult coach and mentors:

  • Research the real-world issue presented in the challenge
  • Design, build and program an autonomous robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS technologies
  • Research and solve a problem faced by real-world scientists and present their solutions
  • Compete in friendly, sports-like tournaments with the knowledge that what is discovered is more important than what is won
  • Proudly celebrate their teams’ accomplishments

Team members learn life skills, such as respect for others, appreciation of different perspectives, cooperation, perseverance and time management. As a result of the FLL experience, participants gain confidence, discover new skills and interests, and shape their futures — as they, in turn, shape ours.

Annual timeline

  • Online registration - May through September
  • Coaches workshop - August
  • Robot Game Challenge revealed - September
  • Build season - October through December
  • Regional qualifying tournaments - Early January
  • Utah State Championship - Last Saturday in January
  • World Festival - Mid- April

Utah State Championship

The Annual Utah FIRST® LEGO® League State Championship takes place the last Saturday in January at the University of Utah. The championship is held in the Student Union (200 S. Central Campus Drive, SLC, Utah 84112). Click here for a map. Your team must qualify to advance at a Utah regional qualifying tournament to participate in the State Championship.

Regional Qualifying Tournaments

The regional qualifying tournaments are where it all comes together! These events are held around the state during in the first two weeks in January, and they include the Robot Game, Innovative Project, Robot Design and Core Values judging sessions. Community partners and volunteers, with the support of Utah FLL, come together to host fun, energetic celebrations of science, innovation and teamwork.

Coaches workshop

We host a coaches' workshop annually in August. Many coaches from around the state attend. If you are a registered team coach, you are welcome to attend this free event. Please register here or email Anne Bastien at utfll@utah.edu for additional details.

Here are some of the materials presented at past workshops:

  • Utah operational partner Kathy Hajeb gave a comprehensive presentation about the event. Download the PowerPoint presentation.
  • David Johnson, of the School of Computing, gave a presentation about robot design. Download the PowerPoint presentation.
  • FIRST® LEGO® League team Pi Pod gave a presentation about their experience at related events in past years. Download their PowerPoint presentation.

How much does is cost?

FLL recommends that teams budget $850 for their first year and $400-$450 in following years. Money often comes from fund-raising, grants, school principals, PTAs or team member contributions. Travel, T-shirts and optional items are in addition to these estimates. For detailed FLL pricing see: https://gofll.usfirst.org/pages/product_description_and_pricing.

Utah qualifying event registration is $75. Click here for registration information.

"Get started" robot kit grants

We appreciate our sponsors' support in helping some new teams purchase a FLL Robot set. Please click here to apply for a "get started" rookie robot kit grant.

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