Disclaimer: Parents, please be aware that dates may be added, dropped, or changed after registration depending on space and coach availability. Make sure to communicate with team leads on what days work for everyone Kids have a natural curiosity, creativity, and desire to explore. At FIRST®, we believe STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) provides the perfect opportunity to inspire innovation, build confidence, and develop lifelong problem-solving skills. Through hands-on, project-based learning, FIRST® LEGO® League introduces students to engineering, coding, and teamwork in a fun, inclusive, and creative environment. Participants work together to solve an annual themed robotics challenge while developing critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. FIRST® LEGO® League Explore (Grades K–3) Explore introduces younger students to the fundamentals of engineering and robotics. Teams investigate real-world problems, learn basic design and coding concepts, and create unique solutions using LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential. Teams include up to 6 participants Each team is led by two adult volunteer coaches FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge (Grades 4–6) Challenge builds on those foundational skills through research, engineering, programming, and friendly competition. Teams design, build, and program a LEGO robot to complete missions on the annual FIRST® LEGO® League competition field while presenting an innovative solution to a real-world problem. Teams include up to 8 participants Each team is led by two adult volunteer coaches Pre-Season Information Meeting Tuesday, August 18 Registration for the Pre-Season Information Meeting is required for all families interested in participating in FIRST® LEGO® League this season. During the meeting, we'll: Explain the team formation process Review the season schedule and expectations Discuss volunteer coaching opportunities Answer questions about both the Explore and Challenge programs Team Formation Because FIRST® LEGO® League relies on volunteer parent coaches, the number of teams we can offer each season depends on the number of adults willing to coach. Following the information meeting, teams will be formed based on several factors, including: Previous participation Grade level Coach availability Parent willingness to volunteer Children of volunteer coaches and mentors receive priority placement because each additional volunteer helps us expand opportunities for students to participate. Once teams have been finalized, selected families will receive an invitation to enroll for the season. Volunteer Coaching No robotics, engineering, or programming experience is required! Coaches organize and facilitate weekly team meetings, keep students engaged, and help guide the team through the season. Teams typically meet one evening each week, with meeting days and times determined by each coaching team. Parents will have the opportunity to volunteer as coaches during registration for the information meeting. Please note: We will make every effort to group participants by grade level and keep returning teammates together whenever possible. However, final team assignments are based on coach availability, enrollment, and the overall makeup of registered participants.