Robotics FIRST Lego League (FLL) Clubs

Rationale

In order to promote science, technology, engineering and math, GSLS is participating in a world-wide program known as FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology – www.usfirst.org), whose goal is to inspire young people’s interest in science and technology.

The mission of FIRST is to show students of every age that science, technology, and problem-solving are not only fun and rewarding, but are proven paths to successful careers and a bright future for us all. Their goal is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

Participants

FIRST is comprised of 400,000+ students and 200,000+ volunteers from over 80 different countries. There are 4 different programs, each with different age and challenge requirements. GSLS participates in 2 of the programs, which covers students from grades K-8.

The Jr. FIRST Lego League (FLL) Program is for students in grades K-3, with teams that include up to 6 students. Jr. FLL captures young children’s curiosity and directs it toward discovering the wonders of science and technology. This program features a real-world scientific concept to be explored through research, teamwork, construction, and imagination. Guided by 2 or more adult Coaches, teams use LEGO® bricks to build a model that moves and develop a Show Me Poster to illustrate their journey. During the year, students will:

Coaches, teams use LEGO® bricks to build a model that moves and develop a Show Me Poster to illustrate their journey. During the year, students will:

• Design and build a challenge-related model using LEGO® components
• Create a Show Me Poster and practice presentation skills
• Explore challenges facing today’s scientists
• Discover real-world math and science
• Begin developing teamwork skills
• Choose to participate in expos and showcases
• Engage in team activities guided by Jr.FLL Core Values

 

 

The First Lego League (FLL) Program is for students in grades 4-8, with teams that include up to 10 students. FLL introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. FIRST LEGO League teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society. During the year, students will:

• Design, build, test 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 Jr. FLL and FLL Teams accomplish is nothing short of amazing. It’s fun. It’s exciting. And the skills they learn will last a lifetime.

Interested in being involved

This year, GSLS has 40 students who are participating in the FIRST program, along with 14 leaders. We have 4 Jr. FLL Teams and 3 FLL Teams. Each team includes 2 coaches that help to guide the teams through their journey. These coaches are parents who have volunteered their time to help with this amazing and rewarding program.

If you are interested in learning more about these FIRST programs, please contact Matt (mklaust@gmail.com) or Rob (robpickerell@gmail.com) for more information.