FLL Challenge Teams

FIRST LEGO League is the group of programs open to students as young as pre-K. There are three options, depending on age. PIE3 has hosted a public event, and FLL Qualifier, for over 10 years. Photos are from the 2019 held at Carroll Community College. Teams at this event were mainly Carroll County school and community teams. Since 2023, the number of teams has expanded to over 50, and now the Robo-Lions host two events to accommodate the growth.

Guided by adult coaches, FLL Challenge is a great entry point into robotics. FLL Teams in PIE3 are open to any student in public or private school or homeschooled in grades 7-12 (sometimes 6th graders). This level allows for meeting space that and access to tools much less intensive than FTC or FRC.

PIE3 supports teams by loaning materials, assisting with registration costs, providing training and connecting coaches in the region. Teams are not generally open to new members unless coaches are available and seeking members to balance a team. Teams can be as small as 3, and seldom larger than 7 members; the max is 10.

We encourage interested families to come to the January event at West Middle School. Better yet, volunteer! The Maryland FLL Challenge Volunteer page has all the information you need to sign up for our event, or another in Maryland.

PIE3 FLL Challenge Teams for the 2025 Season

Look for current team photos and updates soon!

In September, 2021 we began the process of rebuilding school and community teams. We need volunteer coaches, and can provide training and materials. PIE3 has NO facilities for teams, and there are no teams in the community to join - new teams must be able to help recruit coaches. Check with your elementary or middle school principal about whether your school will have a team i 2024, and how the members will be selected.

The 2023 Season is underway for FLL Challenge. We welcome questions about the possibility of teams forming in 2024. FLL Explore teams can still get started, as late as March or April of 2023.

The initial response from parents is to be concerned that coaching FLL requires some experience or skills they don't have. Coaches are not expected to know all about the robot, the rules, or how to run a team. We recommend finding two other adults to share these roles, and 5-8 kids who want to work as a team:

Someone willing to guide kids through the rules and learning about the Mindstorm robot (Challenge)
Someone with patience and organizational skills to guide kids in some research and sharing of the Poster (Explore) or Project (Challenge)*
Someone to help with the logistics, such as scheduling meetings, helping with costumes or tshirt designs, and the all-important snacks

*The Project for FLL Challenge is very unique and brings out the creative problem-solving ability in team members, and also develops presentation and communication skills.

To find our more or to be invited to the organizational meetings in the future, contact us!