Starting a FIRST LEGO League Team

  1. Contact Chris, Teri, or Ben. Schedule a meeting with your group-learn about the program, cost, schedule, and role of leaders. We want participants to have a successful FLL experience, so this discussion is essential.
  2. Obtain funding. Running a team (6 students recommended,10 max) costs $250 base fee, plus $50 per team member.
     
    Teams' source of financing varies. Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO's) or businesses sponsor teams or students pay their own fees. Team members also usually purchase a t-shirt. Some scholarships are available.
  3. Reserve a spot for your team. Send a $250 check to Chris or Teri. Make it payable to "BadgerBOTS" and write your team's school name on it. Pay the balance in the fall, when student fees are collected.
  4. Find team leaders/coaches/mentors. We provide training and all the equipment needed to run a FLL team at the weekly meetings. However, you will need 2 adults to guide and focus the team.
     
    (A teacher has the advantage of being able to conveniently hold meetings and easily notify students of them. Logistics are more difficult for parents, especially if they host off-campus work sessions.)
  5. Attend the ‘Training for Mentors’ course. Leaders, coaches, and mentors should attend. It is held in late spring/summer.
  6. Recruit team members. Students in grades 4-8 are eligible (2nd and 3rd grade do farm teams).
  7. Meet regularly. Start immediately! We'll work to get you equipment so you can start building bots right away. Build one that stops when it reaches a wall, or one that follows a dark line on the floor. Whatever!
  8. Attend the kickoff event. It is held early in September.

Contact us with questions or to schedule a visit with school team. Let's make LEGO League a fun and exciting educational experience for your students!