Students working together at a FIRST LEGO League robotics table event

FIRST LEGO League

Robotics and problem-solving for Maryland teams

FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is one of the core Maryland FIRST programs, bringing hands-on robotics challenges to student teams across the state each season, including the Maryland FLL Championship and qualifying events.

Colorful graphic banner for a LEGO league season theme with playful shapes

Championship & Qualifiers

Maryland FLL teams advance through qualifying events toward the Maryland FLL Championship. Championships have taken place in past seasons including 2011 and 2015, alongside qualifying rounds held earlier in each season.

Season-specific challenges, such as the Trash Trek theme, have connected teams with related "Meet the Experts" festival activities held around the state.

FIRST LEGO League introduces young students to the excitement of engineering and computer science through hands-on robotics challenges. Teams work together to design, build, and program autonomous LEGO robots that complete themed missions on a playing field. Alongside the robot game, each team researches a real-world problem tied to the season's theme and develops an innovative solution to present to judges. This combination of technical building and creative problem-solving helps students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills that serve them well in school and beyond.

Maryland FIRST supports FLL teams throughout the season with training workshops, volunteer mentor matching, and resources for both new and experienced coaches. Qualifying tournaments held across the state give teams the opportunity to demonstrate their robots and research projects in a supportive, energetic environment. Teams that perform well at qualifiers earn the chance to advance to the Maryland FLL Championship, where they compete alongside their peers from across the region in a celebration of innovation and teamwork.

Volunteers play an essential role in making FLL events possible in Maryland, serving as referees, judges, field resetters, and event coordinators. No prior robotics experience is required to get involved, and training is provided for all roles. Whether you are a parent, educator, college student, or community member, your time and enthusiasm help create a memorable experience for young participants. By volunteering, you directly support the next generation of engineers, scientists, and problem solvers right in your own community.

Bright banner artwork representing a waste and recycling themed robotics season

Team Resources

Coaches and volunteers starting a new FLL team can find guidance on team resources, coordinating with regional contacts, and connecting to previous seasons' results as reference material.

Details on award winners from past seasons are kept on record to recognize participating Maryland teams.

Program Highlights

Maryland Championship

The Maryland FLL Championship gathers qualifying teams from across the state, with past championships held in 2011 and 2015.

Starting a Team

Resources are available for coaches and mentors interested in forming a new FLL team in their school or community.

Past Seasons

Records of previous seasons, challenge themes, and award winners give teams a sense of the program's history in Maryland.

Volunteer

FLL events rely on volunteers for judging, refereeing, and event-day support.

Mentor

Mentors and coaches guide teams through the FLL season's robotics and research challenges.

Connect

Follow Maryland FLL updates through the Maryland FLL Facebook page and related Maryland FIRST channels.

About the Program

FIRST LEGO League is part of the broader set of Maryland FIRST programs supporting STEM education through robotics for students ages 4-18. Alongside FRC, FTC, and Jr.FLL, FLL gives upper-elementary and middle-school-aged students an entry point into team-based robotics competition within Maryland.