The FIRST LEGO League:
Maine has participated in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) since 2000. That first year
we had 10 Maine teams. Since then we have grown to almost 60 teams. For 2005
and 2006 we have partnered with the University of Southern Maine and the Maine
Maritime Academy in hosting these events.
Each team or group participates at their local school, neighborhood, after-school
program, or ?? and then comes together at the State Tournament that is usually held
in December.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What ages participate?
The program is for children ages 9 to 14 at the beginning of the season.
How many children can be on a team?
Teams range from 2 to 10 children and must also have at least one adult who is
responsible for the group.
How much does it cost to participate in the program?
Each team needs to have at least one LEGO MindStorms Robotics Kit ($250) and
the software (either RoboLab or Robotic Invention System). You must also have a
table top playing field for your group (can be shared with other groups at your
school) ($65). Then there are the National and State Registrations ($150 and $100
respectively).
If you already have the MindStorm kit then you won't need that, but the rest of the
items are needed each year, so count on at least $250 for the playing field and the
registrations. See a table of the costs HERE.
Can you get training on setting up a team?
Absolutely, MaineRobotics.Org works with schools and local teams across Maine to
setup their teams and work with them throughout the season. This is available at an
additional cost but may be well worth it, especially for the first year. For more
information check out the services section.
How do you register?
Registration is a two part process. First you register to be in the National Pool of
teams. This is done at www.firstlegoleague.org Second you register for the particular
tournament you want to attend. In Maine this is one from this website
www.mainerobotics.org/nanoquest.html.
Is there a national competition?
For the last four years there has been an Invitational competition that the Maine
Director's Award Winner has been invited to attend. Each year one team from Maine
represented the state at these events. In 2006 we are anticipating that there will be
a lottery or other means to select those invited to the International FLL Tournament
in Atlanta Georgia.
How many teams across the U.S. are there?
North America will have 6000 teams (about 50,000 children) participating this year.
The program grows significantly each year due to the incredible popularity of the
program and the ability to use the program to both excite children in science and
technology, but also to meet the Maine Learning results.
To find out more about how the program meets the Maine Learning Results, visit
MLRstandards.pdf. To learn more about setting up an FLL team visit
startingFLLteam.pdf and for some useful and interesting robotic websites, visit
usefulroboticwebsites.pdf.
Maine has participated in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) since 2000. That first year
we had 10 Maine teams. Since then we have grown to almost 60 teams. For 2005
and 2006 we have partnered with the University of Southern Maine and the Maine
Maritime Academy in hosting these events.
Each team or group participates at their local school, neighborhood, after-school
program, or ?? and then comes together at the State Tournament that is usually held
in December.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What ages participate?
The program is for children ages 9 to 14 at the beginning of the season.
How many children can be on a team?
Teams range from 2 to 10 children and must also have at least one adult who is
responsible for the group.
How much does it cost to participate in the program?
Each team needs to have at least one LEGO MindStorms Robotics Kit ($250) and
the software (either RoboLab or Robotic Invention System). You must also have a
table top playing field for your group (can be shared with other groups at your
school) ($65). Then there are the National and State Registrations ($150 and $100
respectively).
If you already have the MindStorm kit then you won't need that, but the rest of the
items are needed each year, so count on at least $250 for the playing field and the
registrations. See a table of the costs HERE.
Can you get training on setting up a team?
Absolutely, MaineRobotics.Org works with schools and local teams across Maine to
setup their teams and work with them throughout the season. This is available at an
additional cost but may be well worth it, especially for the first year. For more
information check out the services section.
How do you register?
Registration is a two part process. First you register to be in the National Pool of
teams. This is done at www.firstlegoleague.org Second you register for the particular
tournament you want to attend. In Maine this is one from this website
www.mainerobotics.org/nanoquest.html.
Is there a national competition?
For the last four years there has been an Invitational competition that the Maine
Director's Award Winner has been invited to attend. Each year one team from Maine
represented the state at these events. In 2006 we are anticipating that there will be
a lottery or other means to select those invited to the International FLL Tournament
in Atlanta Georgia.
How many teams across the U.S. are there?
North America will have 6000 teams (about 50,000 children) participating this year.
The program grows significantly each year due to the incredible popularity of the
program and the ability to use the program to both excite children in science and
technology, but also to meet the Maine Learning results.
To find out more about how the program meets the Maine Learning Results, visit
MLRstandards.pdf. To learn more about setting up an FLL team visit
startingFLLteam.pdf and for some useful and interesting robotic websites, visit
usefulroboticwebsites.pdf.
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