FIRST LEGO League EXPLORE

What is FIRST LEGO League Explore?

Focused on building an interest in science and engineering in children ages 6-9, FIRST® LEGO® League Explore (Formerly FLL Jr.) is a hands-on program designed to capture young children’s inherent curiosity and direct it toward discovering the possibilities of improving the world around them.  Just like FIRST LEGO League Challenge, this program features a real-world challenge, to be solved by research, critical thinking and imagination. Guided by adult coaches and the FIRST Core Values, students work with LEGO elements and moving parts to build ideas and concepts and present them for review.

Students get to:

  • Design and build challenge solutions using LEGO elements
  • Apply real-world math and science concept
  • Research challenges facing today’s scientists
  • Learn team-building and presentation skills
  • Develop Show-Me poster

During most years, FIRST LEGO League Explore teams are invited to participate in any of our FIRST LEGO League Tournaments. FIRST LEGO League Explore teams will have a designated area to set up their projects and a scheduled time to present to a panel of judges (usually an hour before the Awards Ceremony). There are no special awards in FIRST LEGO League Explore, but all participants receive a special FIRST LEGO League Explore medal and recognition during the Awards Ceremony of the tournament.

WHO

  • FIRST LEGO League Explore Teams are 2-6 kids who are in the age range of 6 to 9 years of age.
  • Teams form in schools, clubs, and neighborhood groups. No requirements on affiliation.
  • Teams need at least 2 adult coaches/mentors.

WHAT

  • FIRST LEGO League Explore is a fun program focused on building interest in science, technology, and engineering.
  • Students work with LEGO elements and moving parts to build ideas and concepts and present them for review. FIRST LEGO League Explore teams can participate in Festivals.
  • FIRST LEGO League Explore is not a competition.

WHEN

  • Registration opens in August and remains open until April.
  • Most teams meet once or twice a week for 6-8 weeks. Team meetings usually last 1-2 hours.
  • Official FIRST LEGO League Explore Festivals are often held in conjunction with our FIRST LEGO League Qualifier Tournaments held at various locations around the state in late November through early January.
  • Local FIRST LEGO League Explore Festivals can be held at anytime and hosted by any team. The affiliate partner can arrange for official medals to be sent to students participating in these events.

WHERE

  • There are FIRST LEGO League Explore teams in most areas of the state including remote villages. Teams can be started ANYWHERE.
  • Official Festivals are held around the state: Kenai, Juneau, Bethel, Palmer, Anchorage, and Fairbanks typically host expos.
  • Many teams meet in school classrooms as an after school club. Basements, garages, and just about any other place works great too.

COST

  •  as of Fall 2024, Official Team Registration is $125 not including shipping. This includes the cost of registration for your team and includes the season specific LEGO Explore set your team will use this season as well as the books that will guide your team through the process. 
  • Some teams choose to buy additional LEGO supplies, but it is not necessary. FIRST LEGO League Explore teams use LEGO Spike Essential Kits which are available for teams to purchase for $320 not including shipping (as of fall 2024) and can be used year after year. New teams in their first year will have to purchase this kit. 
  • Participation in FIRST LEGO League Explore Festivals in Alaska is free.
  • Most teams budget for additional items like t-shirts, tri-fold presentation boards, art supplies, and snacks.
  • Teams are funded by schools, parent-teacher organizations, parents, or other sources of funds. Some find corporate sponsors. There are sometimes a limited number of new team grants available for teams with financial needs.

HOW

  • Check the FIRST® LEGO® League Website for information on starting a team. More information and assistance is available by emailing firstak@jedc.org.

THEME

The Theme For The 2024-25 FIRST® LEGO® League Explore Season Is: