What is the FLL Robotic League?

The FIRST LEGO LEAGUE (FLL)

The FLL is an international Robotics Team Competition for children 10 - 16 developed in a partnership between LEGO Company and the USA-based organization FIRST.

Every year more than 100 000 learners from 40 countries around the world take part in the FLL.

In 2009 the teams around the world will rise to the challenge of finding a solution to the global transportation crisis.

The FLL Mission:

1. Introduce children to the fun and excitement of science and technology.
2. Develop children's abilities to work in teams.
3. Stimulate children's use of creativity in the problem solving process.

The history of the FLL in South Africa:

The original Operational Partners contract was awarded to ARTECH in 2004. The Operational Partners Contract was transferred to the ZelTech organization in 2005. The organization was responsible for the contract until the end of 2007 when the Tshwane University of Technology became the official South African partner for FIRST LEGO League international. Since 2004 the program expand from 19 teams to 70 teams in 2007. The expectation is that the program will break the 100 team barrier in 2008.

The typical FLL Season:

1. Teams of 6 to 10 kids work together to digest, understand and solve a real world challenge
2. All teams have an adult coach that functions as a facilitator
3. The challenge of the year goes live September 15
4. The teams have 8 weeks to get ready for the tournament in November. This means: Build, program and test their robotics invention
5. Develop a strategy for how to score as many points as possible
6. Research the challenge topic and prepare a presentation
7. Document all the work
8. In November all the teams meet at a one day Tournament

The FLL Regional Tournament:

A one or two day event where all the teams meet to celebrate and show off their accomplishments at the end of the season.

1. The atmosphere is similar to a sporting event
2. Big monitors with live feed from the competitions
3. DJ and Master of Ceremony
4. Kids hype music
5. A lot of cheering and team support
6. Judges and referees

Following events:

7. Teams that win trophies are invited to the National FLL event.
8. Teams that win trophies in the National event are invited to take part in the FLL World Championships in Atlanta or the Open European National Championship in Europe.

FIRST's Goals:

The development of:
1. Confidence and self-esteem based upon a known ability to meaningfully contribute to society
2. Competence through enquiry-based learning in the disciplines of science engineering, technology and mathematics.
3. Community based on respect for self and others.
4. Compassion and dignity based on Gracious professionalism