Grades 5-8
Instructors: Teresa Harmala, Brett Salmen, John Barberg, Patrick Schuette

FIRST LEGO League Challenge is a global robotics program that engages students in hands-on STEM experiences. Teams design, build, and program an autonomous LEGO SPIKE PRIME robot to complete themed missions in the Robot Game, while also tackling a real-world problem in the Innovation Project. Each season is rooted in FIRST Core Values—teamwork, inclusion, and discovery—and concludes with a regional competition.

This year’s theme, UNEARTHED™, invites teams to explore archaeology. Students will research, prototype, test, and share creative solutions inspired by the field, blending science, coding, and engineering.

Team members typically practice once a week to prepare for the following judged areas:

Core Values:Teamwork, inclusion, and gracious professionalism.

Robot Design & Programming:  Engineering process and strategy behind robot creation.

The Robot Game: Robots compete in three 2.5-minute matches to complete missions and earn points.

The Innovation Project: Research, propose, and present a solution to a real-world problem.

A regional tournament is held between late-Nov and mid-Dec. on a Saturday or Sunday, depending on tournament selection, which happens in early Oct. It is the parent's responsibility to transport their child to competitions. For questions visit their website: firstlegoleague.org.

 Preseason Practice: Monday, August 25 • 6:30–8:00 PM (Optional; build mission models—parents encouraged to help)

Parent/Student Info Meeting: Monday, September 8 • 7:00–8:30 PM • HS Robotics Room (Door C)