Want to start an epic FLL (FIRST Lego League) team? Let’s dive into the essentials, with a mix of professionalism, a hint of fun, and a whole lot of team spirit.

Scouting for Teammates

• Skills: We’re on the hunt for both tech gurus and those who just gel well with others. While coding skills are a major plus, being able to communicate and collaborate is equally crucial. It’s all about balance.

• STEM Lovers: Passion for science, tech, engineering, and math is key. When you’re genuinely excited about STEM, you’re more likely to pour your heart and soul into the projects, making them shine.

• Diversity: A diverse team is like a melting pot of ideas. By bringing together people of different genders, ages, backgrounds, and experiences, we ensure a rich blend of perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions.

• Been There, Done That: Experience isn’t a must, but it’s a definite bonus. Those who’ve been in FLL or robotics before can share their insights, guide new members, and help the team tackle challenges head-on.

And if you’re struggling to gather a crew, consider creating a catchy flyer or a Google Forms sign-up sheet. It’s a great way to see who’s interested and what they bring to the table.

Setting the Vibe

1. Commitment: Being part of an FLL team is a commitment. From regular meetings to practice sessions and competitions, everyone should be ready to invest time and energy.

2. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: A successful team thrives on collaboration. Every member’s input is invaluable, and decisions should be a collective effort, ensuring everyone’s on the same page.

3. Learning on the Go: Everyone makes mistakes, but they’re just stepping stones. Adopting a growth mindset means viewing challenges as learning opportunities, helping the team evolve and improve.

4. Respect: A respectful environment is non-negotiable. Every team member should feel valued, and their ideas and opinions should be heard and considered.

Team Dynamics

A sweet spot for team size is between 5 to 10 members. This ensures everyone has a role without feeling overwhelmed or left out.

Who Does What?

• Team Captain: This person is the team’s anchor, ensuring everyone stays on track. They also represent the team during competitions, making sure the team’s hard work shines through.
• Robot Designer: This role is all about creativity and functionality. They focus on designing and building a robot that’s ready to face any challenge head-on.
• Programmer: The tech whiz of the group. They’re in charge of coding the robot, ensuring it moves and operates seamlessly.
• Researcher: They’re the team’s detective, diving deep into the FLL theme, gathering info, and helping shape a project that’s both relevant and impactful.
• Strategist: With a keen eye for detail, they analyze the game board, pinpointing key missions and plotting the robot’s moves to maximize points.
• Presenter: They’re the voice of the team, ensuring the project is presented clearly and engagingly during competitions.
• Documenter: Keeping track of the team’s journey is crucial. From decisions made to changes in strategy, they ensure everything’s documented for reflection and review.
• Mentor/Coach: An experienced guide, they provide insights, keep the team on track, and handle logistics like competition registration.

Roles can be flexible, but clarity is key. Everyone should know their responsibilities and feel confident in their contribution.

Breaking the Ice and Bonding

Ice Breakers:

1. Two Truths and a Lie: A fun way to get to know each other. Each member shares two truths and one fib about themselves, and the rest guess the lie. It’s a great way to share laughs and learn fun facts about teammates.
2. LEGO Story: A creative challenge where everyone gets a few LEGO pieces, builds something unique, and then shares the story or inspiration behind their creation.

Team Building Games:

1. Blindfolded LEGO Build: This game tests communication and trust. One person builds blindfolded, guided only by their partner’s verbal instructions.
2. Human Knot: A physical challenge that promotes teamwork. The goal is to untangle a human knot without letting go of each other’s hands.
3. Robot Relay: A test of coordination and collaboration. Team members guide a robot through an obstacle course, passing controls from one member to the next.

Incorporate these activities early on, and you’ll have a tight-knit, efficient team in no time. Now, gear up and let’s make some LEGO magic happen! 🤖🌟