Team Quickstart Guide

General FLL Resources

Robot Design & Programming

  • SPIKE Prime Software Official app for LEGO SPIKE Prime and Essential kits

  • EV3 Classroom Download Legacy LEGO Mindstorms programming platform

  • Pybricks Python-based alternative for SPIKE and EV3 kits

  • FLLTutorials.com Comprehensive tutorials from veteran teams covering:

    • Programming: SPIKE Prime (Word Blocks & Python), EV3, Pybricks

    • Robot Design: Base designs, attachments, modularity, alignment

    • Judging & Core Values: Practice activities, Innovation Project prep

    • Team Management: Calendars, checklists, coaching tips

Judging & Innovation Project

Event Prep & Logistics

Community & Mentorship

YouTube Channels & Playlists

Cost & Funding

  • First-year teams will need to purchase a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime kit

  • Used EV3 or LEGO Mindstorms kits can be found on eBay to save money

  • Engineering notebooks are optional — any notebook will work

  • After year one, expected cost is around $350 per season

  • Other costs may include:

    • Team t-shirts

    • Snacks

    • Minimal travel for events

Time Commitment

  • Minimum: 2 hours/week from August through competition

  • Many teams add extra practices the 1–2 weeks before competition

  • Not all students need to attend every practice – sub-teams are helpful

  • Local competitions are typically half-day Saturday events (8 am–1 pm)

  • State competition is a full day event in January at Iowa State University

Mentors & Coaches

  • Each team needs at least 2 coaches (no STEM experience required)

  • Mentors can be community members, local businesses, high schoolers, or topic experts

  • These contacts can also become sponsors to help cover team costs

Additional Resources

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