{"id":156,"date":"2022-05-22T00:29:35","date_gmt":"2022-05-22T00:29:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jedc.org\/first\/first-lego-league-explore\/"},"modified":"2026-05-07T12:08:53","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T20:08:53","slug":"first-lego-league-explore","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/first-lego-league-explore\/","title":{"rendered":"FIRST LEGO League EXPLORE"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"et_pb_section_0 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_0 et_pb_row et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_0 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_post_title_0 et_pb_post_title et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_title_container\"><h1 class=\"entry-title\">FIRST LEGO League EXPLORE<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_video_0 et_pb_video et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_video_box\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"FIRST\u00ae LEGO\u00ae League Explore\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VfoOLKr9QiY?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_1 et_pb_row et_pb_equal_columns et_pb_gutters2 et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_1 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">What is <span><em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO League Explore<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_divider_0 et_pb_divider et_pb_space et_pb_divider_position_top et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_divider_internal\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Focused on building an interest in science and engineering in children ages 6-9, <span><em>FIRST<\/em><sup><em style=\"font-size: 12px;\">\u00ae <\/em><\/sup>LEGO<sup><em style=\"font-size: 12px;\">\u00ae <\/em><\/sup>League Explore<\/span> (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.\u00a0 Just like <span><em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO League Challenge<\/span>, this program features a real-world challenge, to be solved by research, critical thinking and imagination. Guided by adult coaches and the <em>FIRST <\/em>Core Values, students work with <span>LEGO\u00a0<\/span>elements and moving parts to build ideas and concepts and present them for review.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Students get to:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li>Design and build challenge solutions using <span>LEGO\u00a0<\/span>elements<\/li>\n<li>Apply real-world math and science concept<\/li>\n<li>Research challenges facing today\u2019s scientists<\/li>\n<li>Learn team-building and presentation skills<\/li>\n<li>Develop Show-Me poster<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">During most years, <span><em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO League Explore<\/span> teams are invited to participate in any of our <span><em>FIRST<\/em><sup><em style=\"font-size: 12px;\">\u00a0<\/em><\/sup>LEGO<sup><em style=\"font-size: 12px;\">\u00a0<\/em><\/sup>League <\/span>Tournaments. <span><em>FIRST<\/em><sup><em style=\"font-size: 12px;\">\u00a0<\/em><\/sup>LEGO League<\/span> 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 <span><em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO League <\/span>Explore, but all participants receive a special <span><em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO League <\/span>Explore medal and recognition during the Awards Ceremony of the tournament.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_divider_1 et_pb_divider et_pb_space et_pb_divider_position_top et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_divider_internal\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_2 et_pb_row et_pb_equal_columns et_pb_gutters2 et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_2 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">WHO<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO<sup><em style=\"font-size: 12px;\">\u00a0<\/em><\/sup>League <\/span>Explore Teams are 2-6 kids who are in the age range of 6 to 9 years of age.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Teams form in schools, clubs, and neighborhood groups. No requirements on affiliation.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Teams need at least 2 adult coaches\/mentors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_3 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">WHAT<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_5 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO League Explore<\/span> is a fun program focused on building interest in science, technology, and engineering.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Students work with <span>LEGO\u00a0<\/span>elements and moving parts to build ideas and concepts and present them for review. <span><em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO<sup><em style=\"font-size: 12px;\">\u00a0<\/em><\/sup>League Explore<\/span>\u00a0teams can participate in Festivals.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span><em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO League <\/span>Explore is <em>not<\/em> a competition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_4 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">WHEN<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Registration opens in August and remains open until April.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Most teams meet once or twice a week for 6-8 weeks. Team meetings usually last 1-2 hours.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Official <em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO League Explore Festivals are often held in conjunction with our <span><em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO League <\/span>Qualifier Tournaments held at various locations around the state in late November through early January.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Local <span><em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO League <\/span>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_3 et_pb_row et_pb_equal_columns et_pb_gutters2 et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_5 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_8 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">WHERE<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_9 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">There are <span><em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO League <\/span>Explore teams in most areas of the state including remote villages. Teams can be started ANYWHERE.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Official Festivals are held around the state: Kenai, Juneau, Bethel, Palmer, Anchorage, and Fairbanks typically\u00a0host expos.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Many teams meet in school classrooms as an after school club. Basements, garages, and just about any other place works great too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_6 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_10 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">COST<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_11 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">\u00a0as of Fall 2025, Official Team Registration is $140 not including shipping. This includes the cost of registration for your team and includes the<strong> season specific<\/strong> <span>LEGO<sup><em style=\"font-size: 12px;\">\u00a0<\/em><\/sup><\/span>Explore set your team will use this season as well as the books that will guide your team through the process.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some teams choose to buy additional <span>LEGO\u00a0<\/span>supplies, but it is not necessary. <span><em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO League<\/span> Explore teams use <span>LEGO\u00a0<\/span>Spike Essential Kits which are available for teams to purchase for $320 not including shipping (as of fall 2024) and can be used year after year. New teams in their first year will have to purchase this kit.<\/li>\n<li>Participation in <span><em>FIRST <\/em>LEGO League <\/span>Explore Festivals in Alaska is free.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Most teams budget for additional items like t-shirts, tri-fold presentation boards, art supplies, and snacks.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_7 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_12 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">HOW<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_13 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstinspires.org\/robotics\/fll\/start-a-team\"><span><em>FIRST<\/em><sup><em style=\"font-size: 12px;\">\u00ae <\/em><\/sup>LEGO<sup><em style=\"font-size: 12px;\">\u00ae <\/em><\/sup>League<\/span> Website<\/a> for information on starting a team. More information and assistance is available by emailing firstak@jedc.org.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_4 et_pb_row et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_8 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_divider_2 et_pb_divider et_pb_space et_pb_divider_position_top et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_divider_internal\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_14 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">THEME<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_15 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">The Theme For The 2025-26 <span><em>FIRST<\/em><sup><em style=\"font-size: 12px;\">\u00ae <\/em><\/sup>LEGO<sup><em style=\"font-size: 12px;\">\u00ae <\/em><\/sup>League Explore Season I<\/span>s:<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_5 et_pb_row et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_9 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_divider_3 et_pb_divider_hidden et_pb_space et_pb_divider_position_top et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_divider_internal\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_image_0 et_pb_image et_pb_module et_block_module\"><span class=\"et_pb_image_wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/first_bioglow_logo_fll_lockup_rgb-scaled.png\" title=\"first_bioglow_logo_fll_lockup_rgb\" width=\"2560\" height=\"698\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/first_bioglow_logo_fll_lockup_rgb-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/first_bioglow_logo_fll_lockup_rgb-1280x349.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/first_bioglow_logo_fll_lockup_rgb-980x267.png 980w, https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/first_bioglow_logo_fll_lockup_rgb-480x131.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 2560px, 100vw\" class=\"wp-image-6888\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_10 et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_video_1 et_pb_video et_pb_module et_block_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_video_box\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Introducing the 2026-2027 FIRST LEGO League BIOGLOW Season\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_g9kl7xb8nU?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-156","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/156","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=156"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/156\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6902,"href":"https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/156\/revisions\/6902"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jedc.org\/firstinalaska\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=156"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}