want to join the first program?
There are multiple ways to join the FIRST program. You can join in on the Jr. FLL program for ages 5-8, and continue with FIRST all the way up to the FRC (ages 13-18)! You should start as early as you can because the FIRST levels become increasingly more difficult as you ascend levels of competition. In our long competitive career we have learned that the best way to learn is through experience!
Jr. fll
- Form Your Team(s)
- Recruit 2 to 6 children between the ages of 6 - 9 interested in building, researching, or being part of a team.
- Have more than 6 children interested? Don’t worry; one coach can have multiple teams.
- Register Your Team(s)
- Order Your Materials. You have the option to order materials at a discounted price directly from LEGO Education by following the link in your TIMS account. You may use materials you already have at home; all you need are LEGO bricks/elements and a motor.
- Begin the Challenge
- Once you have your team(s) and materials, download the Challenge documents through TIMS to get started. Through TIMS, you will have access to download the Challenge document for the year, a Challenge Pack that guides you through your meetings, a Coaches’ Manual, and Coaches’ Resources to help you research the Challenge. For more information on the Challenge, visit the Challenge page.
Events provide the opportunity for a team to showcase their LEGO model and Show Me poster, in a non-competitive environment. These are organized in a variety of ways:
- Display at a friend’s or family’s house;
- Display at a local library, school, or gymnasium;
- Host a larger event with several teams to display teams' in a public venue. Post your event on the Event page so other teams in the area can showcase with your team;
- Check to see if there is a local Jr.FLL Event in your area by visiting the Event page;
- Or the big one ….. the Jr.FLL World Festival Expo; 40 Jr.FLL teams worldwide are chosen to join all FIRST programs in one annual event. This year it will be held at the America’s Center and Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, MO, USA. All teams are invited to apply.
This was taken and quoted directly from the Jr. FLL website for starting a team!
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/jr.fll/start-a-team
FLL
STEP 1: Learn about what we doThe Challenge has three parts: the Robot Game, the Project, and the FLL Core Values.
Robot Game:
In the Robot Game, the kids build and program an autonomous (no remote control) LEGO MINDSTORMS® robot to score points by performing mission tasks. These missions will be inspired by the Challenge theme. Missions require the robot to navigate, capture, transport, or deliver objects on a printed mat (the Field). The robot has 2 ½ minutes to complete as many missions as possible.
Project:
Through the Project, teams learn more about the science behind the Challenge theme. The kids use their creativity to design a solution (or modify an existing solution) to solve a real-world problem. We even give you a head start – we tell you the theme months ahead of time! Even though you will not know the exact details of the Challenge, you can begin researching the theme with your team as soon as it is announced.
Core Values:
While FLL teams work on the Robot Game and the Project each year, they are guided by the FLL Core Values. The Core Values are part of what makes FLL so special, because kids compete like crazy against the game but still respect their teammates, coaches, and even their “competitors.” Don’t forget, our last (and maybe most important) Core Value is “We have FUN!”
STEP 2: Form your team and register.
You need to recruit up to 10 team members from ages 9 to14 (9 to 16 outside North America). Team members must not exceed the maximum age on January 1 of the year the Challenge is released. For example, in the United States a student who turns 15 in May of 2015 would be eligible to compete in the Challenge released in August of 2015, whereas a child who turned 15 in December 2014 would not. Keep in mind that children can only be on one (1) team, but a coach is allowed to coach multiple teams. You will need a meeting space that has room to set up the 4x8 playing field, and a computer with internet access.
STEP 3: Order your materials
Make sure you check what the process is in your country to order the materials you will need for FLL. There are two basic material items every team needs*: (1) Field Setup Kit - this is the practice field for your robot and it includes an exclusive selection of LEGO bricks, dual lock fasteners, and a roll-out field mat, and (2) a LEGO® MINDSTORMS set to build your robot. Additionally, teams should visit the Coach/Team Resource page where they can download team registration information and tools, such as the Coaches’ Handbook. The Mission Model building instructions are posted online in August.
*If your team already has a LEGO MINDSTORMS set, you are not required to buy the FLL Robot Set. Also, you will need a new Field Setup Kit each year, but you may share your Field Setup Kit with another team if you wish. Just make sure you work out a sharing schedule that works for both teams. Remember, it would be very hard for two soccer teams to practice on the same field at the same time – the same is true for the FLL field.
STEP 4: Begin working on the challenge
Once the Challenge is released in late August, you will find all the documents you need on this website. These will include details of what the team is expected to complete this season as well as information about how your team will be judged at a tournament. Then your team can begin working in earnest. Most teams spend about eight (8) weeks preparing for a tournament. Many new teams start by meeting twice a week for one (1) to two (2) hours. See how that works, and then you can adjust your meeting schedule if you need more or less time.
Some teams work on both the Robot Game and the Project for part of each meeting. Others devote one meeting per week to each part of the Challenge. Work with your team to find the right balance. Just remember that you will need to have both your robot and your Project ready before you attend a tournament.
STEP 5: Apply for a tournament
If your team chooses to participate in an official tournament, the tournament day is your deadline to complete the Robot Game and Project. Your team will feel a time crunch just like in the real world! Tournaments are great opportunities for teams to interact with and learn from each other, whether this is the first year a team has participated or the sixth.
The tournament registration process is different in each region.
STEP 6: Attend a tournament and celebrate your season
At FLL tournaments, teams are judged on their Project Presentation, Core Values, and Robot Design. Teams will also compete in three rounds of the Robot Game. Teams have the opportunity to win awards in each of these categories, but the FLL Core Values remain the focus. “What we discover is more important than what we win.”
Whether your team decides to attend a tournament or not, take time to celebrate your season. Teams grow and learn together throughout the FLL season, so it is important to take a little time at the end to recognize each team member and celebrate all they accomplished together.
Robot Game:
In the Robot Game, the kids build and program an autonomous (no remote control) LEGO MINDSTORMS® robot to score points by performing mission tasks. These missions will be inspired by the Challenge theme. Missions require the robot to navigate, capture, transport, or deliver objects on a printed mat (the Field). The robot has 2 ½ minutes to complete as many missions as possible.
Project:
Through the Project, teams learn more about the science behind the Challenge theme. The kids use their creativity to design a solution (or modify an existing solution) to solve a real-world problem. We even give you a head start – we tell you the theme months ahead of time! Even though you will not know the exact details of the Challenge, you can begin researching the theme with your team as soon as it is announced.
Core Values:
While FLL teams work on the Robot Game and the Project each year, they are guided by the FLL Core Values. The Core Values are part of what makes FLL so special, because kids compete like crazy against the game but still respect their teammates, coaches, and even their “competitors.” Don’t forget, our last (and maybe most important) Core Value is “We have FUN!”
STEP 2: Form your team and register.
You need to recruit up to 10 team members from ages 9 to14 (9 to 16 outside North America). Team members must not exceed the maximum age on January 1 of the year the Challenge is released. For example, in the United States a student who turns 15 in May of 2015 would be eligible to compete in the Challenge released in August of 2015, whereas a child who turned 15 in December 2014 would not. Keep in mind that children can only be on one (1) team, but a coach is allowed to coach multiple teams. You will need a meeting space that has room to set up the 4x8 playing field, and a computer with internet access.
STEP 3: Order your materials
Make sure you check what the process is in your country to order the materials you will need for FLL. There are two basic material items every team needs*: (1) Field Setup Kit - this is the practice field for your robot and it includes an exclusive selection of LEGO bricks, dual lock fasteners, and a roll-out field mat, and (2) a LEGO® MINDSTORMS set to build your robot. Additionally, teams should visit the Coach/Team Resource page where they can download team registration information and tools, such as the Coaches’ Handbook. The Mission Model building instructions are posted online in August.
*If your team already has a LEGO MINDSTORMS set, you are not required to buy the FLL Robot Set. Also, you will need a new Field Setup Kit each year, but you may share your Field Setup Kit with another team if you wish. Just make sure you work out a sharing schedule that works for both teams. Remember, it would be very hard for two soccer teams to practice on the same field at the same time – the same is true for the FLL field.
STEP 4: Begin working on the challenge
Once the Challenge is released in late August, you will find all the documents you need on this website. These will include details of what the team is expected to complete this season as well as information about how your team will be judged at a tournament. Then your team can begin working in earnest. Most teams spend about eight (8) weeks preparing for a tournament. Many new teams start by meeting twice a week for one (1) to two (2) hours. See how that works, and then you can adjust your meeting schedule if you need more or less time.
Some teams work on both the Robot Game and the Project for part of each meeting. Others devote one meeting per week to each part of the Challenge. Work with your team to find the right balance. Just remember that you will need to have both your robot and your Project ready before you attend a tournament.
STEP 5: Apply for a tournament
If your team chooses to participate in an official tournament, the tournament day is your deadline to complete the Robot Game and Project. Your team will feel a time crunch just like in the real world! Tournaments are great opportunities for teams to interact with and learn from each other, whether this is the first year a team has participated or the sixth.
The tournament registration process is different in each region.
STEP 6: Attend a tournament and celebrate your season
At FLL tournaments, teams are judged on their Project Presentation, Core Values, and Robot Design. Teams will also compete in three rounds of the Robot Game. Teams have the opportunity to win awards in each of these categories, but the FLL Core Values remain the focus. “What we discover is more important than what we win.”
Whether your team decides to attend a tournament or not, take time to celebrate your season. Teams grow and learn together throughout the FLL season, so it is important to take a little time at the end to recognize each team member and celebrate all they accomplished together.
FTc
Starting an FTC team may seem like a daunting task, but by following these four steps and utilizing the resources found on this page, it is a very manageable process.
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/start-a-team
- Build your Team - Teams are made up of students, grades 7-12, who are ready to take on the challenges applying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathmatics concepts to robotics. Gather team members (FTC recommends a team size of about 10 students) from your school and/or community.
- Register your Team - Once you have gathered your team, go to the Registration section for details on cost, budgeting and instructions on how to register your team.
- Enlist additional Coaches and Mentors - In FTC, the terms Coach and Mentor are used interchangeably to describe an adult team member (18+) who leads students by example. Mentors are expected to practice Gracious Professionalism® and act as positve role models for the team. Coaches and Mentors need not be technical. Additional Mentors can help with organization, provide snacks, transport youths and provide moral support. Parents and teachers make excellent Mentors and Coaches.
- Get Started - Review the materials on this website and, if possible, attend events like a kick-off, workshops and scrimmages. You will also find the following pages very helpful:
- The Game Page - Learn about the annual challenge, robot build rules and what to expect at competition
- Team Resources - Tools and resources to get you through the season
- The FTC Kit of Parts - Learn about the two kits teams can choose from
- Season Timeline and Calendar - This page will help you understand the flow of the season and know when your team should meet certain benchmarks.
- FTC Event Finder - Use this tool to find FTC events near you
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/start-a-team
frc
What is FRC?
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and compete in games designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals.
FIRST redefines winning for these students by rewarding teams for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.
What's involved
You''ll need professional engineers, adult mentors, high school aged students, sponsorship, a meeting place, access to tools and free time during the build and competition season. Specifics and a season over view are available in the How to Start a Team Flyer.
Season Overview
The official FRC season starts with event registration in the fall, proceeds from the Kickoff in early January through the six-week robot design and build period, and continues to the robot shipment deadline in late February. The Regional events occur late February through early April, culminating at the FIRST Championship, which will be held in St. Louis from 2011 through 2014. Event information is available via the What's going on in my area map found on the upper right corner of each web page.
What is the structure of an FRC team?
There is no typical or FIRST mandated team structure. FIRST does require each team to assign adults to the official team roles of Main, Alternate and Shipping Contact - other than that, you are free to structure your team as best suits you! Most teams comprise 25 students (there is no maximum) and can be made up of one or more high schools or youth organization(s). We also have home-schooled teams that compete. More information about team structure is available in the FRC Team Handbook.
Costs involved in Participating
Taken and quoted directly from the FIRST website:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/start-an-frc-team
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and compete in games designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals.
FIRST redefines winning for these students by rewarding teams for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.
What's involved
You''ll need professional engineers, adult mentors, high school aged students, sponsorship, a meeting place, access to tools and free time during the build and competition season. Specifics and a season over view are available in the How to Start a Team Flyer.
Season Overview
The official FRC season starts with event registration in the fall, proceeds from the Kickoff in early January through the six-week robot design and build period, and continues to the robot shipment deadline in late February. The Regional events occur late February through early April, culminating at the FIRST Championship, which will be held in St. Louis from 2011 through 2014. Event information is available via the What's going on in my area map found on the upper right corner of each web page.
What is the structure of an FRC team?
There is no typical or FIRST mandated team structure. FIRST does require each team to assign adults to the official team roles of Main, Alternate and Shipping Contact - other than that, you are free to structure your team as best suits you! Most teams comprise 25 students (there is no maximum) and can be made up of one or more high schools or youth organization(s). We also have home-schooled teams that compete. More information about team structure is available in the FRC Team Handbook.
Costs involved in Participating
Taken and quoted directly from the FIRST website:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/start-an-frc-team