The W.A.F.F.L.E.S. are happy to help!

If you have any questions about FIRST LEGO League Explore or are looking for help to start a team, we have been running teams for many years and are happy to be a resource!  Send us an email at info@wafflesrobotics.com.

From the FIRST Website: 6 essential steps to starting a FIRST LEGO League Jr. team

1. Learn all about us

Each year in early August, FIRST LEGO League releases a new Challenge for teams that focuses on a scientific topic. Teams are sent on a journey of discovery to learn all they can about the topic, then present their findings in the form of a team poster and a LEGO model that moves.
Core Values
While teams research their topic and create their posters and models, they are guided by the FIRST Core Values. This set of values, including sharing, and respect for all, is what makes our program so special. Our most important Core Value is “Have FUN!”

2. Form your team

Recruit 2 to 6 interested team members ages 6 to 10. A coach is allowed to coach multiple teams. Each team must have at least 2 adult coaches.

3. Register, Pay, and Order Materials

Once you have a team (you do not need all team member names yet), register your team.

4. Find support resources

Locate your region’s FIRST LEGO League Explore Partner who knows other FIRST teams and participating area organizations. He or she can help you form an organizational plan.

5. Learn about safety

At FIRST, student safety is always paramount. Every adult must become familiar with our Youth Protection Program (YPP). Take the time to watch our videos and read our youth protection materials.

6. Review Coach/Team Resources

Once your team is registered, you have a wealth of information at your fingertips on our Coach/Team Resources page to help you with everything from fundraising to just raising the level of fun on your team.

We give you a head start by announcing the theme months ahead of time. Even though you will not know the exact details of the Challenge, you can begin researching the theme with your team as soon as it is announced. Once the Challenge is released (August), registered teams will have access to all the season-specific documents (details of what the team is expected to complete for the season; information about how your team will be reviewed at an Expo). Registered teams receive the Team Meeting Guide to assist with planning for the season and Engineering Notebooks for students.

Most teams spend about 12 weeks preparing their projects. Understand that your team’s Show Me poster and LEGO model must be ready before you attend an Expo.