FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is a global program created to get children excited about science and technology. A hands-on program for ages 9 to 16, FLL uses Challenges based on real world scientific problems to engage children in research, problem solving, and engineering. The cornerstone of the program is it's Core Values, which emphasize friendly sportsmanship, learning, and community involvement.
Each yearly Challenge has two parts, the Project and the Robot Game. Working in teams of three to ten children and guided by at least one adult coach, teams have 8 weeks to:
- Build an autonomous robot to carry out pre-designed missions in 2 1/2 minutes
- Analyze, research, and invent a solution to a real world problem
The culmination of all that hard work for many teams is the participation at an FLL event - much like a high energy sporting event. Referees monitor and score the Robot Game. Judges review team presentations. An FLL event is a pumped-up environment with music and excitement that celebrates the work the children have done throughout the season. Be sure to check out photos and videos of 150 happy kids who participated in the pilot NZ FLL tournament [Smart Move section].
Around 50 countries participate in FLL with New Zealand joining this exciting program in 2009. Held on December 12 the inaugural tournament attracted 23 teams to ACG Strathallan in Auckland for what I can only describe as a truely awesome experience. The Kiwi FIRST Robotics Charitable Trust thanks the board and numerous volunteers for making it possible to implement this program with great speed and accuracy.
Jason Kyle, Kiwi FIRST.
(yes, that's me in the silly hat!)
