Robotics Competitions
Robotics competitions are engaging, hands-on experiences that help young learners build problem-solving, teamwork, and engineering skills.
For elementary students, these programs encourage creativity, critical thinking, and learning by doing through exciting challenges.
Robotics Competitions for Elementary Students
FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) is a global STEM program that introduces children to science, technology, engineering, and problem-solving through hands-on learning with LEGO® bricks.
Students work in small teams to explore real-world problems, build models or robots, learn basic coding, and develop collaboration, confidence, and creative thinking in a supportive environment.
FLL Pathway for Elementary & Middle School Students:
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Discover (Ages 4–6):
A playful introduction to STEM through hands-on activities and simple problem-solving. -
Explore (Ages 6–10 | Grades 2–4):
Students build LEGO® models, explore a yearly theme, and learn beginner coding and engineering concepts. This level focuses on learning and sharing rather than competition. -
Challenge (Ages 9–16 | Grades 4–8):
Students design, build, and program LEGO® robots to solve missions on a competition field. Many Grade 5 students begin Challenge when ready for more advanced robotics and teamwork.
Team-Based Participation:
• FLL is a team-based program guided by an adult coach
• Most students join through schools, after-school programs, or robotics clubs
• Families may also form independent teams if a school option is not available
When should families enroll?
• Registration usually opens in late spring or summer
• Teams benefit most when enrolling at the beginning of the season
Competition Levels (Challenge only):
• Qualifier Tournaments
• Regional Championships
• State Championships
• World Championship (select teams)
Why parents love FLL:
FLL builds confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
while offering a clear, age-appropriate pathway students can grow
with year after year.
VEX Robotics is a globally recognized STEM program that helps students learn engineering, coding, and problem-solving through hands-on robot design and construction.
Students work in teams to design, build, and program robots to complete game-based challenges, developing creativity, persistence, teamwork, and confidence along the way.
VEX Programs for Elementary Students:
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VEX 123 (Pre-K – Grade 2):
Screen-free programmable robots that introduce coding, logic, and problem-solving through play. -
VEX GO (Grades 3 – 5):
An introductory robotics system where students build models, explore engineering ideas, and learn basic coding concepts. -
VEX IQ (Grades 5 – 8):
A snap-together robotics system used for learning and competition. Many Grade 5 students begin VEX IQ as their first competitive robotics experience.
What is the VEX Challenge?
Each year, VEX releases a new challenge that requires teams to
design robots, plan strategies, and adapt solutions.
The challenge changes every season.
Team Size & Participation:
• Teams typically include 2–6 students
• Guided by a teacher, parent, or coach
• Most teams are organized through schools or community programs
Season Timeline:
• Season begins in late summer or early fall
• Competitions run from fall through spring
• Dates vary by region and program level
Why parents choose VEX:
VEX offers a clear learning pathway from elementary through high school,
builds real-world STEM skills, and encourages confidence through
hands-on teamwork.