Discover
Grades: Pre-K-1 Ages: 4-6 Children learn by playing with LEGO DUPLO blocks through the introduction of basic STEM ideas while having fun!
Explorer
Grades: 2-4 Ages: 6-10* On Explore teams, students begin to learn about the engineering process and scientific method while thinking about a real-world problem posed by the yearly theme. Students also begin to design prototypes and begin coding using a LEGO Spike Essential. If possible, students will participate in an Explore Fair to share their ideas and meet other FIRST LEGO League Teams in the West Tennessee Region.
Challenge
Grades: 4-8 Ages: 9-16* In the Challenge division, students are divided into teams in order to build and program a robot that will complete various missions on the game mat. They are also given a real-world problem that they research and work to solve with their very own innovation project. Teams learn all about working together to prepare for a combination of Scrimmages, Qualifiers, and Championship competitions in the West Tennessee Region.
*A student’s date of birth as well as parent/coach input will help determine which Division best suits a student.
First Tech Challenge (FTC)
Grades: 7th-12th Ages: 12-18 Tech Challenge teams can have up to 15 members. Students build a robot out of reusable metal parts and program using Java. Working within the team, students learn to document their engineering process, use math and science, and learn to work in alliances during competitions. Students compete in various competitions in order to advance to the Regional Tournament.