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FIRST LEGO League Explore

It’s never too early to discover STEM. FIRST LEGO League Explore introduces science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts to kids ages 6 to 10 while exciting them through a brand they know and love − LEGO®.

Guided by adult Coaches, teams of up to 6 members explore a real-world scientific problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc. Then they create a Show-Me poster that illustrates their journey of discovery and introduces their team.

They also construct a motorized model of what they learned using LEGO elements. In the process, teams learn about teamwork, the wonders of science and technology, and the FIRST LEGO League Explore Core Values, which include respect, sharing, and critical thinking. At the close of each season, teams come together at a Festival to strut their stuff, share ideas, celebrate, and have fun!

Students Get To

  • Design and build challenge solutions using LEGO® elements and motorized parts
  • Apply real-world math and science concepts
  • Research challenges facing today’s scientists
  • Learn team-building and presentation skills
  • Develop Show-Me posters to present their research journey
  • Build comradery and make new friends
  • Share ideas and talents
  • Build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills
First Lego League Explore Logo

Ages 6-10
Grades 2-4

SINGLE TEAM

Number Of Students: 2-6
Total Start Up Cost: ~$610**
Annual Recurring Costs (Registration Fee): ~$210**($125 + $30 S& H in USD)
Festival Registration: ~$50
Current Ontario Rookie Year Grant: $200

CLASS PACK

Number Of Students: Up to 24
Total Start Up Cost: ~$3470**
Annual Recurring Costs (Registration Fee): ~$1070** ($695 + $105 S&H in USD)
Festival Registration: N/A
Current Ontario Rookie Year Grant: $1000 ($250 for a second year)

A.
Annual registration includes the following seasonal materials, which are updated each year to reflect the new theme.

SINGLE TEAM

Team Meeting Guides: 1
Engineering Notebooks: 6
Festival Sets: N/A
Explore Sets: 1

CLASS PACK

Team Meeting Guides: 1
Engineering Notebooks: 24
Festival Sets: Digital
Explore Sets: 6

Lego education masterpiece first robotics set

Team Meeting Guides: A comprehensive and adaptable guide that provides facilitators with step-by-step easy to follow adaptable lesson plans on how to run 12 sessions of approximately 1 hour. It includes student outcomes, handy tips, suggested tasks and guiding questions. View a sample

Engineering Notebooks: These colourful student workbooks provide spaces for students to write and draw their engineering journey. It also serves as a wonderful resource and keepsake. View a sample

Explore Sets: These exclusive sets include LEGO® elements students will use as a starting point to explore how STEM relates to their world.

B.You also need LEGO® Education SPIKE Essential*** ordered separately, and appropriate laptops or tablets to program with. These are a one time investment as they are reusable year after year and can be ordered at any time, including before the season starts for extra prep time. These LEGO ® robotics sets contain motors and sensors that can be programmed using free LEGO® software that is easy and intuitive, with drag and drop icons. In Canada, these sets are available from: Brault & Bouthillier (Montreal, QC), InkSmith (Waterloo, ON), (Newmarket, ON), or Studica (Mississagua, ON). Prices vary from supplier to supplier.

Number of SPIKE Essentials Cost
SINGLE TEAM
1+
~$400
TEAM PACK
6+
~$2400

C.Seasonal support will come through emails from Headquarters in New Hampshire, and FIRST Robotics Canada for Ontario specific information. Additional resources such as YouTube videos, supplemental activities, networking opportunities, and Ontario curriculum alignments can be found at firstroboticscanada.org. Ontario also has a Slack Workspace and Pinterest Boards.

D.This year’s (2023-2024) theme is MASTERPIECE (TM)! Students will explore where energy comes from and how it is distributed, stored & used and then put their creativity to work for a better future. 

Masterpiece logo

E.
Team Registration (Class Pack Registration: How To Link) Opens: May
Challenge is Released and Seasonal Materials Start Shipping: August
Festival Events for teams: throughout the year for teams.
Festivals for Class Packs: when planned by coach
Registration Closes: April, or when seasonal materials run out.

Lego Education Spike Kit

*For this offering coaches host their own end of season festival as part of the last lesson **Varies depending on exchange rate and shipping costs
***Reusable from year to year after initial investment

2023-34 Season Theme

Join our arts-inspired robotics season

Lights, camera, STEAM! Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) inspire big ideas, bold action – and creativity. Our skills make it possible to create art and experiences that unite, entertain, and move us.

During the 2023-2024 FIRST season, FIRST® IN SHOWSM, presented by Qualcomm, we’re spotlighting STEM’s role in the arts and empowering young people to design and build a world of endless possibilities. The future is a place you will create.

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