Welcome!
Are you ready to learn to design, build, and code a robot?
FIRST LEGO Challenge League introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to our Maine children grades 5-8 through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experience through a guided global robotics program helping today’s students build a better future together.
Friendly competition is at the heart of Challenge, as teams of students in grades 5-8 engage in research, problem-solving, and engineering, while building and programming a LEGO robot that navigates the missions of a robot game.
Our Core Values
The First Core Values are the cornerstones of our LEGO robotics program. They are among the fundamental elements that distinguish FIRST LEGO League from other programs of its kind.
By embracing the Core Values, participants learn that friendly competition and mutual gain are not separate goals, and that helping one another is the foundation of teamwork.
We express the FIRST philosophies of Gracious Professionalism® and Cooppetition® through our teaching and spirit.
Get Information On Our LEGO Robotics Programs
Eligibility: Any Maine student in grades 5-8
Season Costs: $249, including t-shirt, snack, & special events' participation. Need-based scholarships available. See registration form. Permission slip and payment completed at kick-off night. Need-based scholarship assistance available - no child left out.
Where: Maine Mall #66 (Outside entrance to the left of Round One Bowling & mall food court)
What's included:
12 Weeks of mentored instruction including:
- Exploration of STEM Careers
- Introduction to Strategic Game Planning
- Introduction of Basic Mechanical Principles
- Introduction to Sensors and Motor Control
- Introduction to Coding For Robotics
- Mock Inter-Team Practice Battles
- Engineering Notebook and Take-Home Training Materials
- Competition and Judging Preparation and Rehearsals
Unique Team Competition T-Shirt
Weekly Snacks and Refreshments
Special Post-Season Events Invites
- FRC Pine Tree Tour
- Maine Sumo Robot Challenge
- Maine Lego Extravaganza
- Maine Battle Bot Challenge
FIRST LEGO League Challenge teams prepare over 8 weeks to compete at regional tournaments, where judges provide valuable feedback on their robot, code, and invention. The final test comes at the Robot Game table, where they race against the clock for a personal best score and the chance to advance to a local championship. Winning teams earn an invitation to FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas, where teams from all over the world meet and compete. We also host two special Maine-wide events in the Spring, totaling 13 weeks of activities.
Here is our 2023/24 season schedule:
Kick Off Meeting Wednesday, October 4th, 6 - 7:30 PM
Build Season Saturdays, October 7th - December 18th, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Final Competition Preparation February 2nd, 9 AM - 12 PM
Special Spring Bonus Events (To Be Scheduled):
FRC Pine Tree Championships Robotics Team Pit Tours
Sumo Robot Push Challenge
Maine LEGO Extravaganza
Maine Battle Bots