- FIRST in Missouri

Welcome to FIRST LEGO League Challenge!

Guided by two or more adult Coaches, FIRST LEGO League Challenge teams (up to 10 members, grades 4-8) research a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to develop a solution. They also must design, build, and program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS®, and then compete with it on a table-top playing field.

It all adds up to tons of fun while they learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts (STEM), plus a big dose of imagination, to solve a problem. Along their discovery journey, they develop critical thinking and team-building skills, basic STEM applications, and even presentation skills, as they must present their solutions with a dash of creativity to judges. They also practice the Program’s Core Values, which emphasize discovery, teamwork and good sportsmanship.

* An alliance between FIRST and the LEGO^® Group

Learn More

How do I get my child on a team?

Although FIRST LEGO League Eastern Missouri does not match children with existing teams or provide team contact information for several reasons*, here are some ways to connect with others,

• Start your own team; no experience is needed
• Volunteer at FIRST events to meet Coaches and mentors
• Share the FIRST for Educators with your school to encourage formation of new teams
• Contact one of the local FIRST Alliances to see if there are teams forming in their organization
• Post on our Facebook Page and ask if coaches have openings
*Teams are structured in a variety of different ways; some are clubs or after-school programs that meet year-round, while others are formed by parents, community organizers, or youth groups. For these and other reasons, we do not match individual children with existing teams. For privacy reasons, we are not able to share team contact information.

What does it cost?

Some teams receive grants or sponsors, some teams may decide to divide team costs per member.

New teams can expect to pay approximately $1000 for their first season including Team Registration ($265), a robot kit of parts ($550), and a Challenge Set ($110). Teams will also need access to a tablet or laptop.

Additional costs for a Qualifier/Championship ($100/$125), travel, food, team shirts and other optional items will vary. Veteran teams will pay less since the robot set can be used year after year, but team registration and challenge set must be purchased every season. FIRST has additional information.

What is the time commitment?

Teams are provided at least 8 weeks between the time the challenge begins and the first qualifier of the season. How much time a team spends upon the challenge is best determined by the coach and the team. Some teams meet year-round working on skill-building, other teams may only meet once or twice a week before their event. Because teamwork is so important, parents should arrange to have their child attend most, if not all of the team meetings.

What skills are required to participate?

No special skills are needed! Adults act as team facilitator; the children teach themselves. The students develop skills through trial and error, sharing ideas with one another, and researching/reading about the current year’s theme.

Like our mentors say, “This is the only sport where if you show up, you can play.”

Where are teams located?

Missouri is divided into two regions: Kansas City and Missouri-FiMO.
Teams are automatically registered for the appropriate region and may not switch regions without written permission from the appropriate Partners.

Start a Team

Why should I start a team?

You get to pick the participants
You get to pick the meeting times and location
As coach, you become a role model
You get a ring-side seat to observe the creativeness of your team
You get to see the world through their eyes

What do I need to start a team?

Access to a laptop or tablet for the kids to program. Check system requirements here
One LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robot set (may use SpikePrime, Ev3, or NXT)
Access to the current year Challenge Set (may be ordered as part of National Team Registration)
Meeting space large enough for the 8×4 foot Challenge Set
2 adult coaches with registered FIRST accounts and screened through the Youth Protection Program
Minimum of 2, maximum of 10 children between the ages of 9 to 14.
Paid FIRST Team National Registration ( National registration does not include the cost to participate in qualifier)

Details can be found here.

What is the team National Registration Process for a new team?

If you haven’t already, reference the Start a Team website from FIRST to get an overview of the process.

FIRST LEGO LEAGUE EXPLORE EVENTS

Enter the Team Portal

FIRST LEGO League

Team Coach
University City, MO

“The program allows children to fail, and start again. It teaches them so much more than robotics. They learn to work together, brainstorm fixes for all sorts of problems and walk tall in the knowledge that they can make a difference.”