What is FIRST LEGO League (FLL)? (From firstinspires.org)
Tomorrow’s innovators practice imaginative thinking and teamwork. Guided by two or more adult Coaches, FIRST LEGO League teams research a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to develop a solution. They also must design, build, program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS or SPIKE PRIME, then compete on a table-top playing field.
It all adds up to tons of fun while they learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts (STEM), plus a big dose of imagination, to solve a problem. Along their journey, they develop critical thinking and team-building skills, basic STEM applications, and even presentation skills, as they must present their solutions with a dash of creativity to judges. They also practice the Program’s Core Values, which emphasize discovery, teamwork and good sportsmanship.
Applications are now available for Gateway's FLL Team for the 2026-27 competition season. Please review the information below before completing and submitting your application. Applications are available from the Guardian Kiosk or can be printed from the file below. Completed applications are due to Ms. VanTuyl (B121) or Mr. Iversen (A215) by Wednesday the 20th of May 2026.
FIRST Lego League is not Lego club. We use Legos for one aspect of the competition, but all team members are expected to participate fully in the non-Lego parts as well.
The Three Parts: There are three, equally weighted parts to FIRST Lego League and all team members will be expected to participate fully in all parts.
- The Innovation Project: In the innovation project students propose a solution to a real-world problem relating to the season’s theme. Team members must research the problem and solicit feedback from a real-world expert who works in a field related to the problem. Team members present their research, solution, and expert-feedback to a panel of judges at the competition.
- The Robot Game: In the robot game team members design, build, and program a robot using a Lego robotics kit to complete a variety of challenges at competitions. Team members bring their robot to the competition for it to attempt these challenges in three rounds at the competition. This is the only part which involves Legos.
- Core Values: At all times team members are expected to demonstrate Gracious Professionalism and Cooperation – the FIRST philosophies.
- Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
- Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
- Impact: We apply what we learn to improve our world.
- Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
- Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!
Team Information & Application
Team Meetings: At team meetings members will progress on all parts of the FIRST Lego League. Meetings will held twice weekly, 3:00 to 4:30 pm in room A 215 from September to December 2026. Regular attendance is required. If you are planning on taking a vacation during this time or participating in any other fall or winter extracurricular activities, you must indicate so on your application.
Competitions: The FLL Robotics Qualifying Competition will be one of the first two weekends in December. If we qualify, we may also participate in competitions in winter and spring of 2027.
Fees: There will be a $25 fee to cover team t-shirts & snacks. If your family is in financial need and can’t afford this fee, please contact Ms. Van Tuyl or Mr. Iversen for more information.
Selection: The team is open to incoming 7th and 8th grade students (current 6th and 7th grade students). We will be accepting only 20 students into our FLL Robotics Team this coming fall. All students interested in participating in Gateway’s FLL team must complete this application process. Submission does not guarantee that students will be able to participate. Spots on the team will be filled based on responses to the questions on the application, teacher recommendations, and peer & coach observations at try-outs. Returning student applicants will also be evaluated on their conduct and performance during the last FLL season.
Try-outs will be after school during the first week of June. Students will be notified of their admittance to the team through their student email.
If students are invited to the in-person tryouts, they will receive an invitation to participate by May 26th through their student email account. Students who are not accepted will be put on a waiting list and are encouraged to apply again next spring.
FLL is a worldwide organization that promotes science, engineering, team building, and all around fun. Kids can continue on to FRC and FTC in high school where they continue to build more advanced robots and advanced programming. If you want to learn more about FLL and FIRST, visit http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/fll/
If you have any questions, please email coaches Jennifer VanTuyl and Neal Iversen using the email addresses below.
Gateway Robotics Coaches:
Jennifer VanTuyl
Email: jvantuyl@everettsd.org
Neal Iversen
Email: NIversen2@everettsd.org
