Our FLL program is designed for students in grades 5-8. This age group is perfect for developing skills in robotics, teamwork, and problem-solving.

We offer three skill levelsBeginner: Ideal for those new to robotics. Focuses on the basics of design and programming.

Intermediate: For students with some experience. Enhances existing skills and introduces more complex concepts.

Advanced: Challenges experienced participants with complex projects and sophisticated problem-solving.

The participation fee is $150 per student. This covers all necessary materials, including the LEGO Spike Prime Robot kit and competition fees.

Participants are expected to commit to 2 hours per week from September through December. Sessions involve teamwork, and students are expected to behave respectfully, contribute positively, and actively engage in all tasks.

Regular attendance is crucial; it ensures that teams can effectively collaborate, grow, and prepare for competition, ultimately contributing to the team's success.

Each session involves hands-on activities that include designing, building, and programming robots, as well as brainstorming and developing solutions for the project challenge. Sessions are facilitated by mentors and designed to be engaging and educational.

As we gear up for competition, the team mentors may choose to add additional practice sessions. There will also be some workshops and mock-meets where all teams will gather to learn, collaborate, and practice competition.

And finally, the season will end with a Massachusetts district competition (see below) and if a team qualifies, a state championship in late December. Further details will be provided prior to season start.

The competition is a real-life event where teams from across Massachusetts gather to compete against each other. It takes place in mid-to-late December and includes not only robot performance but also project presentations. Teams are graded on their robot's design and functionality, providing a comprehensive learning experience in competition, teamwork, and presentation skills.

Detailed location and directions will be provided upon registration.

Students should bring their creativity, curiosity, and enthusiasm! All other materials, including robotics kits and tools, will be provided.

Teams are formed based on age, skill level, and schedule availability to ensure a balanced and enriching experience for all participants. We do our best to accommodate each student's schedule when assigning teams.

Parent volunteers serve as adult mentors for each team, guiding our students through the challenges and excitement of the FLL season. Additionally, volunteers from the high school robotics team, LongMetal, also help mentor the teams, providing valuable insights and support.

Team LongMetal supports the program by offering education, organization, and other essential resources to ensure a successful experience for all participants. We are actively looking for parent volunteers to be a part of this enriching program. No experience is necessary—just a passion for fueling curiosity and encouraging our young innovators.

Parents are encouraged to support their children but are generally not present during the sessions to foster independence and collaborative skills among team members. However, parents are crucial as volunteer mentors and are welcome to engage in this capacity.

Parents can volunteer as mentors, no prior experience necessary! We value your passion and willingness to inspire the next generation of innovators. Training and resources will be provided for all parent volunteers.

Registration can be completed on our website. We recommend signing up early as spots are limited and fill up quickly.

Absolutely! We warmly welcome sponsorships from individuals, businesses, and organizations who wish to support STEM education and innovation. Sponsoring a team not only helps provide the necessary resources and equipment but also ensures that all interested students have the opportunity to participate regardless of financial constraints. Your support can make a significant impact on our community’s young minds. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and how you can contribute, please contact us through our website.

All proceeds from the FLL program are reinvested directly into LongMetal Robotics to support ongoing and future STEM initiatives. This includes purchasing new equipment, maintaining our facilities, funding competition entry fees, and providing scholarships to ensure that no interested student is left out due to financial barriers. By participating or sponsoring, you are helping us nurture the next generation of innovators and engineers, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed.