FIRST® LEGO® League Explore
Grades 2 - 4
Welcome to FIRST® LEGO® League Explore!
For Grades 2-4 FIRST® LEGO® League Explore is an exciting opportunity for the youngest budding scientists. It encompasses the core concepts of all FIRST® programs to inspire, excite, and introduce kids to the wonders of science, technology, and engineering.
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Teaches the benefits of teamwork
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Sparks initial interest in science and technology
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Introduces basic design skills through a hands-on approach with the familiarity and fun of LEGO® building
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Provides a culture of sharing and learning from others
The goal is to provide an experience that will capture young children’s inherent curiosity and creativity and direct it toward discovering the possibilities of improving the world around them through understanding, thought, planning, and technology.
How do I get my child on a team?
As a rule, FIRST®, including FIRST® LEGO® League Explore in Missouri, does not place children on teams.
Also, for privacy reasons, we are not able to share lists of team contact information.
Any group can create a team: schools, home schools, community groups, churches, or just some friends who wish to do something awesome. Adults do not need any technical experience to coach a team.
What is an Official Festival?
We have fun! Official Festivals, held on select weekends in February through April, are a non-competitive 2-3 hour event that offers students an amazing experience as they celebrate their hard work, make new friendships, and are exposed to ideas and ideologies that will enhance their lives for decades to come.
Our Festivals begin with teams presenting their challenge research, LEGO model to FIRST® LEGO® League Explore reviewers. Presentations conclude with a brief question-and-answer period.
The all team portion of the Festival follows with team building and STEM activities. Finally, the event concludes with a super fun, high energy awards and closing ceremony. In FIRST® LEGO® League Explore, everyone is a winner!
FIRST® LEGO® League
Grades K - 8
Welcome to FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge!
Friendly competition is at the heart of FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge, as teams of students grades K - 8 engage in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering – building and programming a LEGO® robot that navigates the missions of a Robot Game.
As part of Challenge, teams also design an innovative solution to a real-world problem relevant to the theme.
Season Timeline
June - December 2026 - National Registration open
August 4 - BIOGLOW season game reveal and materials released
August 22 - FIRST in Missouri Kickoff Event at Westminster Christian Academy
September - Sign up for local Qualifiers
November - December: Qualifiers take place
January 2027 - Regional Championship*
*advancing teams only
How do I find a team?
Teams are structured in a variety of different ways. Teams can be affiliated with a school, but many are community teams are started by families/friends/neighbors, homeschool groups or youth organizations. FIRST has alliances with Girl Scouts, 4-H, and the Boys and Girls Clubs.
We recommend that you check your local school first to see a team already exists, or if there is interest in getting one going.
Starting a new team is a fun experience and something you can proudly add to your resume. No experience is needed.
Although FIRST LEGO League Eastern Missouri does not match children with existing teams or provide team contact information for privacy reasons, here are some ways to connect with others:
• Start your own team
• Volunteer at FIRST events to meet Coaches and mentors
• Share the FIRST for Educators with your school to encourage formation of new teams
• Post on our Facebook Page and ask if coaches have openings