FLL (FIRST LEGO League) is a global organization that is motivating kids to pursue careers in technology. FLL also helps kids develop problem-solving skills, strategize, and think creatively.

FLL is a subdivision of FIRST. FIRST stands for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology". FIRST has four levels, Junior FIRST LEGO League, FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, FIRST Robotics Competition. Combined they range from 6-year-olds to high school ages. Check out the FIRST website for more information. Here is a link to a video on FIRST. YouTube VIdeo

To see one of our robots from last year, completing the mission in 67 seconds, Click HERE

FLL teams use the robotics controllers available from LEGO to build and program autonomous robots that can complete missions on a 8 foot by 4 foot game board. Since the robots are made out of LEGOs, they are easier to build. The NXT (the new robotic controller that LEGO made) does not use normal LEGO bricks. Instead, it uses Technic beams, axles, pins, and gears. It is a good idea to practice building with Technic pieces before the season, that way you are used to the way they work and connect.

In addition to designing a robot, the team researches the challenge topic. In 2010 it was "Smart Move" and it was all about transportation, how things in our world move. They work to identify a problem, create a solution, and share their learnings with their community. At the competition, they present their research to the judges in a creative manner. All teams have to do a presentation which can take many forms, like a skit, puppet show, etc.

Team registration is open from May to September. Then, in early September, the Challenge is released and the work begins! The teams have around 10 weeks to complete their work.

NEW teams are forming now! This year we have the opportunity to take 2 Senior FLL teams and 2 Junior FLL teams. If your child is interested in JR. FLL, please call the office!

To be on a team with us, a child has to have taken at a minimum, levels I & II, but preferably even level III of our programs. These levels give them what we feel are the foundations of programming and the chance to have tried past FLL challenges to understand what an FLL team is all about.

For those of you familiar with physical sports? You can think of this as Rep Lego, it is a physical sport for the mind, and how much fun it is! Children learn so many things on an FLL team, knowledge, teamwork, problem solving, strategies, patience, conflict resolution, organization, support, innovation, curiosity, self-esteem, value, perception, understanding, commitment, working under pressure, time management, presentation skills, public speaking, camaraderie, research skills and wow, we could go on and on!

We have competed at 2 FLL competitions now, 2008 and 2009. In 2008 our teams did very well and one team advanced to the provincials by becoming 2008 FLL Halton/Peel Champions. They achieved 3rd place in Robot Dependability at Provincials.



In 2009, both of our teams did well at the regionals, with one team becoming 2009 Halton/Peel Champions and the other team winning 1st place Robot Design, both teams advanced to Provincials, where the Champions excelled with 1st place Robot Design (the 3rd highest trophy awarded) and the other team winning 1st place Quality Design.