About FIRST LEGO^® League

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to foster interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, FIRST inspires young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting, mentor-based programs that build math, science, and technology skills—abilities that, in turn, lead to a more well-rounded life through greater self-confidence, communication, and leadership. This invaluable mission is shared by the Museum of Nature & Science. As a research and informal science education institution, we believe that children learn best when they overcome challenges through hands-on learning, project design, and experimentation. It’s an experience that gives them the opportunity to view science as a process, rather than merely an end result. This is why we are proud to support the North Texas Regional Tournament.

FIRST LEGO® League (FLL) is one of four competitive levels designed by FIRST, using LEGO® Mindstorms NXT robotics kids as its platform. Aimed at an international audience of students ages 9 through 14, this competition teaches real-world problem solving through engineering design and teamwork. Beyond the events, FLL also works closely with schools and other youth-based organizations to transform the perception of science and technology—inspiring kids who might not otherwise have found a love for these fields to pursue further studies and career paths in science and technology.

About FIRST LEGO^® League Teams

If you’re interested in forming a FLL team, here’s how it works:  FLL teams consist of anywhere from 5 to 10 students. While most teams are founded by schools, many are also independently run through Boy and Girl Scout troops, science and technology clubs, and other outreach organizations. To register to compete at a Regional Championship Tournament, visit the FIRST LEGO® League website. Registration takes place each year between May and September. Once registration has closed, the Annual Challenge is announced—marking the beginning of several fast and furious weeks of robot design, programming, and trial!  At the same time, teams also engage in a research project related to the core mission of the Challenge. And when the teams compete at Regional Championship Tournament, judging isn’t based on robot performance alone—the quality of design, outcome of their research project, and level of teamwork are all major factors in a winning equation. 

Challenge 2008