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, FLL Explore teams are invited to participate in any of our FIRST LEGO League Tournaments. FLL 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 FLL Explore, but all participants receive a special FLL Explore medal and recognition during the Awards Ceremony of the tournament.

ESSENTIALS

WHO

• FLL 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 (FLL 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. FLL Explore teams can participate in Festivals.
• FLL Explore is not a competition.

WHERE

• There are FLL 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.

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 FLL Explore Festivals are often held in conjunction with our FLL Qualifier Tournaments held at various locations around the state in late November through early January.
• Local FLL 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.

HOW

• Check the FLL website for information on starting a team. More information and assistance is available by emailing firstak@jedc.org.

COST

• Official Team Registration is $125 including shipping, and includes the LEGO Explore set your team will use this season as well as the books that will guide your team through the process.
• Participation in FLL Explore Festivals in Alaska is free.
• Some teams choose to buy additional LEGO supplies, but it is not necessary. FLL Explore teams use Spike Essential Kits which are available for teams to purchase for $280 including shipping and can be used year after year.
• 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.