VA/DC Junior FIRST LEGO League
What is Junior FIRST LEGO League?
Created in partnership with the LEGO Group, Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL) is geared to children aged 6 to 9 years old and utilizes a modified FIRST LEGO League (FLL) framework. Teams of up to 6 children and an adult mentor receive a mini challenge, based on the annual FLL research project. Using an open-ended LEGO building set, they will design a model depicting an aspect of this year’s "Climate Connections" Challenge. Children will spend approximately one month exploring, investigating, designing and building a model made with LEGO bricks. In conjunction, teams create a "Show Me" poster that depicts the teams’ experience during this process, through drawings and words.
Teams are encouraged to gather together and hold local events to share their experiences with family and friends. Anyone is able to hold an event - tips, suggestions, and "how to" are offered in the Event Guide.
Jr.FLL introduces children to the concepts of teamwork and basic design skills, creating an initial interest and hands-on approach to science and technology through the familiarity and fun of LEGO building. The goal: provide an experience that will begin to transform youngsters and open their eyes to the possibilities of improving the world around them through acknowledgement, thought, planning and technology.
The Jr.FLL experience also is a way of engaging younger siblings and friends of FLL team members in a similar team situation with goals. By cultivating their interest in and experience with this kind of hands-on, fun teamwork, they are likely to then transition to the FLL program, as they get older.
Mailing List
An email list dedicated to Jr.FLL in Virginia/DC is now available, which will allow people with an interest in Jr.FLL to keep in touch, find others interested in forming teams, share ideas, and more. This list also provides a way for coaches and mentors to discuss and distribute Jr.FLL questions and suggestions. Finally, administrative program announcements will be distributed to members of this list. Both Virginia/DC-specific and general Jr.FLL topics are covered, so everyone is welcome. To join or leave the VADCJFLL-L list, visit: https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcjfll-l.html and select "Join or leave the list".
Jr.FLL Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jr.FLL?
Jr.FLL is a fun and powerful program designed by FIRST (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation) and LEGO for children 6 to 9 years old. Jr.FLL introduces children to the concepts of teamwork and basic design skills, creating an initial interest and hands-on approach to science and technology through the familiarity and fun of LEGO building.
My 5 year old really likes to build; can she participate on a Jr.FLL team?
The recommended age range for Jr.FLL is 6 to 9 years old. The upper age limit of 9 is strict, but the lower limit of 6 can be flexible. If, after taking in the child’s developmental level, you feel they are capable of participating on a team and possibly interacting with older children, then by all means they’re allowed! As a warning, we have found that kids younger than 6 can be very overwhelmed by the experience. Remember, for kids that are 9 to 14, FIRST offers the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) program.
What makes up a “team”?
Teams are comprised of up to 6 children and an adult (18+) coach. Other people such as parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, and community members are encouraged to mentor, volunteer, and help the team to success.
Do I have to be part of a school to form a team?
No! Any organization or group can create a team: schools, community groups, churches, neighborhoods, families, etc. If you have a lot of interest in your area, you are able to register more than one team.
How can my child join a team?
Kids generally do not “join” a team, rather teams are formed around the child. If your child is interested in the program, a good place to start looking for other team members are your child’s friends. Ask other parents in the neighborhood about interest or approach a teacher or the principal at your child’s school with the idea.
I don’t know anything about building and am certainly not an engineer, could I actually be a team’s coach?!
ABSOLUTELY! Coaching a team requires no previous knowledge. We just ask that you have a willingness to learn with the kids. Others have described teams and coaching Jr.FLL as a playgroup with a goal. The kids come together once a week or so to build with their LEGO pieces with a topic in mind. As a Team you will also gain access to the Coaches' Guide.
What information is in the Coaches' Guide?
The Coaches' Guide contains valuable information, resources, and tips to bring you through the entire season – from forming the team to conducting a team meeting.
How do we become a Jr.FLL Team?
More information on how to join the 2008 Jr.FLL season will be available in early summer.
Is there a fee associated with creating a Team?
Yes. This cost is associated with the primary materials and access to the coaches' information; it does not include any team extras such as buttons, t-shirts, or traveling. More information on the cost for the 2008 season will be available in early summer.
What is the Jr.FLL Challenge?
The Jr.FLL Challenge is a mini-challenge based on the same real-world topic as the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge. It is a scaled down version that is often more open-ended so that the variety of ages can customize the project to their ability level.
What is the typical season?
The Jr.FLL season starts with team registration and product ordering in August. The Challenge is announced on the same day as the FLL Challenge in mid-September.
Are there Jr.FLL events to attend?
Teams are encouraged to gather together and hold local events to share their experience with family and friends. Anyone is able to hold an event – tips, suggestions, and “how-to” are offered in an event guide available to coaches. Also, in some areas of the country there will be JFLL events organized by the FLL Partner and may be run in conjunction with an FLL Tournament.
Please note that neither FIRST nor LEGO conducts or oversees any of the Jr.FLL events. The Jr.FLL events are arranged and conducted locally, by the team parents, coaches or community volunteers.
Will there be any Jr.FLL events in Virginia/DC?
Jr.FLL will hold one Jr.FLL event in conjunction with an FLL Tournament. This event will have a team registration fee and will take place in early December. Please check back for time and location.
What kit do I need for my team?
2008 Jr.FLL Base Kit - $95 US/TBD Canada (+ shipping and taxes)
The Base Kit products are confirmed and will be the exact same as 2007. The products comprising the kit are the same off-the-shelf LEGO Education sets as last year. Teams are welcome to re-use old kits and are not required to purchase the kit. The price will remain at $95 in the US.
The Base Kit will have its own product number and it is comprised of:
Mechanisms Set - #979632
Mechanisms Power Add-on - #979628
Note that the names of the product comprising the kit have been changed, but they are the EXACT SAME product (LEGO Education just re-named them). They were formerly called the Science and Technology Set and the Science and Technology Power Add-on. Also note that this bundled Base Kit presents a savings of $26.90 (in the US) from purchasing the products separately. You can look at these products on www.legoeducation.com by searching with their product number.
The Base Kit will be available in August when registration opens.
If you have general questions, please send an email to JFLL@vadcfll.org.
