The FIRST LEGO League  is the result of a partnership between FIRST and The LEGO Group.  FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an exciting and fun global robotics program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, and technology in kids ages 9 to 14.

                    2010 theme: "Body Forward" poster

  In 1998, FIRST Founder Dean Kamen and The LEGO Group’s Kjeld Kirk Kristiensen joined forces to create FIRST LEGO League (FLL), a powerful program that engages younger children in playful and meaningful learning while helping them to discover the fun in science and technology.   In the 2008 "Climate Connections" season, FLL reached more than 137,000 kids in 50 countries around the globe.    

Each year FLL teams embark on an adventurous Challenge based on current, real-world issues developed by FIRST and experts in the fields of science and engineering.  Core Values  

Guided by a team coach and assisted by mentors, the kids:  Research and solve a real-world problem based on the Challenge theme Build an autonomous LEGO Mindstorms robot using engineering concepts Present their research and solutions
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Learn More at usfirst.org

The yearly challenge has 2 primary aspects related to an annual theme:   Project and Game.   The exact details are published at the Challenge Kickoff in September.

• Teams use the LEGO Mindstorms robotics kit to design/build an autonomous robot to compete in a FIRST-designed game  that is like an obstacle course using LEGO elements to model challenges related to those encountered by working scientists and engineers in theme-related areas.
• The project puts the annual theme (transportation issues for the Smart Move 2009 season) into a real-world context and typically has 3 components.  
  
  • Identify and investigate a problem (also called research);
  • Propose a solution;
  • Share results with others

More info : 
     Program Overview
     Nor Cal 2009 Season Overview 
     FLL Impact  and  Measures of Effectiveness

     Getting Started: Organize your own team!   
     FLL Description: Half-Page Handout