FLL History & People
What do the letters in "FIRST" stand for?
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
How Long is a FLL Official Match?
2 minutes 30 seconds
Which sensor helps the robot detect lines on the mat?
Color Sensor
What’s the total time allowed for your team’s project presentation?
5 minutes
What Core Value says we should work together and listen to everyone’s ideas?
Who founded FIRST and helped invent the Segway?
Dean Kamen
What happens when the robot is touched outside of Home?
Precision Token is removed
What type of loop keeps repeating until a condition is true?
"While" Loop
What must your idea do to score “Exceeds Expectations” on the Impact rubric?
It must be tested in real life or shared with professionals for feedback
What does “Gracious Professionalism” really mean?
Being kind, helpful, and respectful — even while competing
In what year was the first-ever FLL competition held?
1998
Can teams bring pre-built mission model copies for practice in Home?
No — only LEGO pieces and attachments are allowed in Home
What causes sensor drift in gyro turning over time?
Heat, movement, or bad calibration
What does “Identify a problem” really mean in the rubric?
You must clearly define a real-world problem based on research
What happens if your robot fails in a match, but your team stays positive and supports each other?
You may get high Core Values scores for teamwork and resilience
Who is the current president of FIRST?
Chris Moore
How are ties broken in Robot Game scoring?
Highest second match score, then third; if still tied, head ref decides
What’s the best way to align a robot before every run?
Use alignment tools in Home
What separates a “creative” solution from an “innovative” one?
Innovation means it’s new and different — not just clever
How do judges know your team actually practiced Core Values and didn’t just memorize them?
They observe team behavior, stories you tell, and how you act in the room
What was the original programming language used in early FLL robotics kits?
RCX code
What condition must be met for a mission to score if the robot is touching the model?
The robot must not be touching the model at the end unless the rules say otherwise
Why might proportional line following be better than regular line following?
It adjusts turn strength based on how far off the line it is — smoother and faster
How do judges verify your research was deep and meaningful?
They check how many sources you used, expert interviews, and how you applied feedback
What is “Coopertition,” and how does it apply in FLL?
Cooperating with other teams even while competing — like helping with advice or sharing tools