Back to experiences

Project

FIRST® LEGO® League Explore

Introduces coding, design, and real-world research, all while working as a team and having lots of fun!

FIRST® LEGO® League Explore

Students aged between 6 and 9 work in teams to research a real-world theme, identify a problem, and create an innovative solution.

They create a team model to demonstrate their solution and program a moving element using a LEGO SPIKE Essential robot.

Underpinning everything the teams do are the FIRST Core Values, which include teamwork, innovation, and problem solving.

FIRST® LEGO® League Explore can be delivered in two ways:

  • Regionals - teams of up to 6 students work towards attending a regional festival, where they explain their solution, coding, and how they've worked together to a panel of reviewers. This is usually delivered as an extra-curricular activity.
  • Class pack - teachers deliver an in-house festival, which enables all students in a class to participate during curriculum time. The programme is designed for a group of up to 30 children (working in 5 teams), and is mapped to the primary national curriculum.

There are explicit links to various engineering careers throughout the experience which students learn about. Volunteers from a broad range of backgrounds can act as mentors, support for the experience itself, or deliver the regional events.

Due to its hands-on practical nature, the programme is well suited to a range of learners and is designed so that everyone can succeed and achieve regardless of their starting point.

Cost

£30 to £230 + VAT depending on registration option selected.

The IET have FIRST® LEGO® League funding packages available for disadvantaged schools/teams to apply for throughout the season. Funding covers the cost of registration as well as the associated LEGO Education kit.

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects

  • Learning what the engineering workplace is like

  • Develop engineering employability skills

  • Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers

  • Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering

Topics

  • Materials
  • Electricity
  • Forces
  • Computing
  • Mechanisms

Working scientifically

Whichever curriculum your school follows, pupils should have the opportunity to carry out practical investigations in science that help them to develop their scientific skills. This experience builds the following enquiry skills:

  • Asking questions
  • Making predictions
  • Observing and measuring
  • Interpreting and communicating results
  • Evaluating

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:

  • Aiming high - the ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them.

  • Creativity - the use of imagination and the generation of new ideas.

  • Leadership - supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal.

  • Listening - the ability to listen and understand information.

  • Problem solving - the ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge.

  • Speaking - the oral transmission of information or ideas.

  • Staying positive - the ability to use tactics to overcome setbacks and achieve goals.

  • Teamwork - working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal.

Good for a career in...

  • Construction
  • Design
  • Electronics
  • Energy
  • Environment
  • Rail and road transport
What the teachers say

We would love to read all about your time with this experience!

Log in to write a testimonial
Icon representing Primary education Primary
Speaker

STEM Ambassadors

STEM Ambassadors from a wide range of STEM-related jobs help to bring subjects to life!

  • Ages 5 to 11
  • In-school
  • Full day
  • Free
Icon representing Primary education Primary
Project

FIRST® LEGO® League Discover

An introductory STEM programme that develops key learning habits through play.

  • Ages 3 to 7
  • In-school
  • Multi-session
  • Cost applies Bursaries available
Icon representing Primary education Primary
Competition

FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge

A robotics-based STEM competition that develops 21st century workplace skills.

  • Ages 9 to 11
  • In-school
  • Flexible project work
  • Cost applies Bursaries available

Careers resources