Start A Team
It is very easy to get started with FLL Explore! First, you need to find a group of kids interested in participating. Teams can consist of 2-6 members, ages 6-10. You can form a team from any group of interested kids, after-school programs, neighborhood groups, youth organizations, or just a group of friends.
Next, you need to find two adult coaches. You don’t have to be a scientist or engineer to be a coach! Teachers, parents and technical professionals all make great coaches. The coach’s role is to assist the team in independent learning – not to directly assist the team in the problem-solving process.
Want an easy guide for registration with FIRST? Check out the FIRST Registration Video
Steps to Starting A FLL Explore Team
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STEP 1:
Find 2-6 Team Members and 2 Team Coaches
To start a team, you will need Team Members who will want to learn, build with LEGO, and share their ideas! Then you will need two coaches to act as guides and enable your team to reach their full potential. Team Members must be between the ages of 6-10, and Coaches must be 18 or older. People with all backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to join a FLL Explore Team as a Team Member or Coach and can start with no STEM experience!
Need some FLL Explore Coach Resources? Click Here!
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STEP 2:
Understand Season Budget
There are cost associated with starting and maintaining an FLL Explore Team. You can take a closer look at all of those costs on our FLL Explore Budget and Funding Page. If your team can not afford the costs listed, there are grants and fundraising ideas available through FIRST, sponsors and especially through some Iowa-based companies. This information can be found through the link listed above.
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STEP 3:
Complete Team Registration with FIRST
In order to be recognized as an official FLL Explore Team, your team will need to register with FIRST. Registering your team with FIRST also gives you access to season materials, discounts in their store, and permission to register for and take part in an Iowa FLL Explore Expo event. Register your team with FIRST.
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STEP 4:
Learn and Understand the Season Challenge
Each year FIRST releases a new challenge based around a STEM-related problem or topic. Challenges are released in August and start with a kick-off video explaining the challenge. Each team is encouraged to learn and research the theme throughout the season. You will be surprised at how much information these kids pick up! To learn more about this year’s challenge and get related resources view the FLL Explore Season Resources.
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STEP 5:
Register for an Iowa FLL Explore Event
Your teams can show off all their handwork and creativity at an Iowa FLL Explore Expo. These events can occur virtually or in-person across Iowa. In order to participate in one of these events, your team needs to complete event registration. To learn more about the registration process that opens in October, view our Iowa FLL Explore Event Registration. Teams can participate in more than one FLL Explore Expo if they choose.
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STEP 6:
Register to Receive FLL Explore Team Blasts
We try to keep in touch and provide helpful information to our team throughout the season. We do so mainly through our Iowa FLL Team Blasts. Click the link to register for our Iowa FLL Explore Team Blasts.
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STEP 7:
Prepare for your event!
Once all of your registration is completed your team can focus working together on their LEGO model, their Show-Me poster and getting ready for their event. If you are interested in learning more about what an event will look like, view our FLL Explore Events Page.