{"id":112,"date":"2020-05-15T07:07:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-15T07:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/?page_id=112"},"modified":"2026-09-04T12:18:27","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T19:18:27","slug":"run-a-team-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/run-a-team-2\/","title":{"rendered":"RUN A TEAM"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<div class=\"bigcontent\">\r\n<style>\r\n.bigcontent p,\r\n.bigcontent ul,\r\n.bigcontent ol,\r\n.bigcontent li {\r\n  font-size: 16px !important;\r\n  line-height: 1.6 !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.bigcontent h3 {\r\n  font-size: 22px !important;\r\n  line-height: 1.3 !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.bigcontent h5 {\r\n  font-size: 24px !important;\r\n  line-height: 1.3 !important;\r\n  margin-top: 28px !important;\r\n  margin-bottom: 16px !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.bigcontent ol,\r\n.bigcontent ul {\r\n  margin-top: 10px !important;\r\n  margin-bottom: 18px !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.bigcontent li {\r\n  margin-bottom: 6px !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.bigcontent .explore-button {\r\n  display: inline-block;\r\n  padding: 11px 18px;\r\n  background-color: #00a651;\r\n  color: #ffffff !important;\r\n  font-size: 16px !important;\r\n  line-height: 1.3 !important;\r\n  font-weight: bold;\r\n  text-decoration: none;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.bigcontent .explore-button:hover,\r\n.bigcontent .explore-button:focus {\r\n  background-color: #008c45;\r\n  color: #ffffff !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n@media screen and (max-width: 600px) {\r\n  .bigcontent p,\r\n  .bigcontent ul,\r\n  .bigcontent ol,\r\n  .bigcontent li {\r\n    font-size: 15px !important;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .bigcontent h5 {\r\n    font-size: 21px !important;\r\n  }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<p class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-252 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_4070.jpg\" alt=\"Michigan FIRST LEGO League Explore students working together\" width=\"165\" \/><span style=\"color: #00a651; font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Explore <em>FIRST<\/em> LEGO League Explore!<\/strong><\/span><br \/>Michigan students in grades K\u20133 work together to explore a real-world theme, build and program with LEGO\u00ae Education SPIKE\u2122 Essential, and celebrate their accomplishments at a Festival.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"clear: both; margin: 24px 0; padding: 18px 22px; background-color: #f2f2f2; border-left: 5px solid #00a651;\">\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\">Before you register<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\nBefore creating or registering your team, make sure you have the basic pieces needed to participate in the Michigan FIRST LEGO League Explore program:\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\">\r\n<li><strong>Students:<\/strong> Form a team of 2\u20136 students who are in kindergarten through third grade.<\/li>\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Lead Coaches:<\/strong> Identify two adults who will register as Lead Coaches and complete FIRST Youth Protection requirements.<\/li>\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Team affiliation:<\/strong> Connect the team with a school or an eligible youth-serving nonprofit organization that will own the team number and reusable equipment.<\/li>\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Equipment:<\/strong> Confirm that the team has access to a LEGO\u00ae Education SPIKE\u2122 Essential Set. New Michigan teams that need a set will receive additional purchasing information after registration.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\">\r\nThe five steps below will guide you through selecting the correct program, forming your team, registering, obtaining materials, and preparing for a Festival.\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<h5 id=\"phase-1\"><strong>1 | CHOOSE THE PROGRAM<\/strong><\/h5>\r\n<p><em>FIRST<\/em> in Michigan supports the Founders Edition of <em>FIRST<\/em> LEGO League Explore for Michigan students in grades K\u20133. Teams must select Founders Edition to participate in Michigan Festivals and qualify for applicable FIRST in Michigan grants.<\/p>\r\n<p>Although the national FIRST Dashboard may display different grade ranges, Michigan teams must follow the K\u20133 eligibility requirements listed on the FIRST in Michigan website.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class='shortcode-toggle'><div class='shortcode-toggle-head'><i class=\"fa fa-plus\"><\/i>Program and edition details<\/div><div class='shortcode-toggle-box hide'><\/p>\r\n<p><strong><em>FIRST<\/em> LEGO League has three age-appropriate divisions in Michigan:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Discover<\/strong> \u2014 Preschool<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Explore<\/strong> \u2014 Kindergarten through third grade<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Challenge<\/strong> \u2014 Fourth grade through the end of elementary school<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Founders Edition, Future Edition, Class Packs, and officially registered teams are different participation and purchasing options. A Class Pack does not, by itself, create officially registered teams or provide official team numbers and does not qualify for FiM team grants.<\/p>\r\n<p>The 2026\u20132027 BIOGLOW season will continue as planned. FIRST is developing a new generation of K\u20138 robotics programs for 2027\u20132028.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstinspires.org\/programs\/k-8\">Learn more about FIRST K\u20138 programs: 2027 and beyond<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"margin: 20px 0 30px;\"><a class=\"explore-button\" href=\"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/resources\/\">Review Michigan Explore Information<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<h5 id=\"phase-2\"><strong>2 | FORM THE TEAM<\/strong><\/h5>\r\n<p>Form a team of 2\u20136 students in grades K\u20133 and identify two adults to serve as Lead Coaches. Coordinate with the school or eligible youth-serving organization that will own the team number and reusable equipment.<\/p>\r\n<p>Most Michigan teams are organized through schools, although eligible organizations such as 4-H groups, Scout groups, and other established youth-serving nonprofits may also form teams.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class='shortcode-toggle'><div class='shortcode-toggle-head'><i class=\"fa fa-plus\"><\/i>Team formation, coaches, and meeting details<\/div><div class='shortcode-toggle-box hide'><\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Finding an existing team<\/strong><br \/><em>FIRST<\/em> in Michigan does not place students on teams or share private coach contact information. Families should begin by contacting their child\u2019s school or a local youth organization. The Michigan Team List can help identify organizations with teams in an area.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Coaches and mentors<\/strong><br \/>Coaches do not need a technical background. Every team needs two registered adult Lead Coaches who complete FIRST Youth Protection requirements. Other adults may assist as mentors in technical or nontechnical roles.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Meetings<\/strong><br \/>Teams commonly meet once per week for one to two hours. Choose a safe location with sufficient workspace, internet access, tables, chairs, and secure equipment storage.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Affiliation and grants<\/strong><br \/>Correctly connect the team to its school or organization in the FIRST Dashboard. Michigan Department of Education grant eligibility requires affiliation with an MDE-recognized school, charter school, or academy. Grant funds cannot be paid to individuals.<\/p>\r\n<p><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"margin: 20px 0 30px;\"><a class=\"explore-button\" href=\"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/team-list-2026-2027\/\">View the Michigan Team List<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<h5 id=\"phase-3\"><strong>3 | REGISTER IN THE FIRST DASHBOARD<\/strong><\/h5>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>Sign in to the FIRST Dashboard.<\/li>\r\n<li>Open <strong>My Roles<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Select <strong>Team<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Create a new team or select the existing permanent team number.<\/li>\r\n<li>Choose <strong>FIRST LEGO League Explore \u2014 Founders Edition<\/strong> and connect the correct school or organization.<\/li>\r\n<li>Add two Lead Coaches and complete the required Youth Protection steps.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<div class='shortcode-toggle'><div class='shortcode-toggle-head'><i class=\"fa fa-plus\"><\/i>Registration, coaches, and youth roster details<\/div><div class='shortcode-toggle-box hide'><\/p>\r\n<p><strong>New teams:<\/strong> Follow the Dashboard prompts to create the team, enter its information, and connect it to the correct school or organization. The new official team number will be used for grants, events, rosters, and communication.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Returning teams:<\/strong> Select the team\u2019s permanent number and register it for the 2026\u20132027 BIOGLOW season. Do not create a new team if the organization intends to reuse an existing team number.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Lead Coaches:<\/strong> Invite two adults as Lead Coach 1 and Lead Coach 2. Each coach must accept the role and complete required profile, consent, training, background-screening, and Youth Protection steps. Required clearances must appear in the Dashboard.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Youth members:<\/strong> Use the Team Contacts\/Roster area to generate the Express Enrollment link or QR code. Parents or guardians register their children and complete the FIRST Consent and Release Form. Approve pending youth applications and verify the roster before attending a Festival.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstinspires.org\/youth-protection\">Review FIRST Youth Protection information<\/a><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstinspires.org\/programs\/youth-registration\">Review youth registration and Express Enrollment instructions<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"margin: 20px 0 30px;\"><a class=\"explore-button\" href=\"https:\/\/my.firstinspires.org\/\">Open the FIRST Dashboard<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<h5 id=\"phase-4\"><strong>4 | PURCHASE MATERIALS<\/strong><\/h5>\r\n<p>New Founders Edition Explore teams need season registration, the annual BIOGLOW Explore Set, and access to a LEGO Education SPIKE Essential Set. Returning teams may reuse their SPIKE Essential equipment.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>New Michigan teams without access to SPIKE Essential should contact <a href=\"mailto:heidi@firstinmichigan.org\">Heidi<\/a> before purchasing equipment.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class='shortcode-toggle'><div class='shortcode-toggle-head'><i class=\"fa fa-plus\"><\/i>Budget, grants, and purchasing details<\/div><div class='shortcode-toggle-box hide'><\/p>\r\n<p>Complete the registration and purchasing options for the team in the FIRST Dashboard. Confirm the correct edition, school or organization affiliation, and tax status before submitting payment.<\/p>\r\n<p>Standalone Class Packs do not create official team numbers and are not eligible for FiM team grants. Educators may use Founders Edition materials in a classroom while organizing students into separately registered teams.<\/p>\r\n<p>Families and coaches may also ask local employers and community organizations about STEM grants, sponsorships, mentors, equipment, or meeting space.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstinspires.org\/programs\/cost-and-registration\">Review FIRST cost and registration information<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"margin: 20px 0 30px;\"><a class=\"explore-button\" href=\"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/resources\/\">View Current Season Resources<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<h5 id=\"phase-5\"><strong>5 | PREPARE FOR A FESTIVAL<\/strong><\/h5>\r\n<p>Teams use the Team Meeting Guide to explore the annual theme, build and program their model, and create a Show Me poster. At a Festival, teams share what they learned, participate in activities, and celebrate their season.<\/p>\r\n<p>Michigan Festival registration is managed locally through FIRST in Michigan, not through the national FIRST Dashboard. Event instructions and placement information are emailed to registered teams and posted on the Michigan Explore website.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class='shortcode-toggle'><div class='shortcode-toggle-head'><i class=\"fa fa-plus\"><\/i>Festival preparation and event-readiness details<\/div><div class='shortcode-toggle-box hide'><\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Season timing:<\/strong> Fall Festivals are held November through February, and spring Festivals are held April through May.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Event readiness:<\/strong> Before attending, confirm that both Lead Coaches have completed required Youth Protection steps, all participating students appear on the official roster, and all required Consent and Release Forms are complete.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Festival experience:<\/strong> Teams participate in STEM activities and share their model and Show Me poster with reviewers. All team members receive a medal, and each team receives an award certificate.<\/p>\r\n<p><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"margin: 20px 0 30px;\"><a class=\"explore-button\" href=\"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/events-2526\/\">Find Michigan Explore Events<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n<div style=\"margin: 28px 0 10px; padding: 20px 24px; background-color: #f2f2f2; border-left: 5px solid #00a651;\">\r\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\">I need help<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\">Questions about selecting the correct program, registering a team, purchasing equipment, or preparing for a Festival?<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Heidi Ferguson<\/strong><br \/>FIRST in Michigan FLL Explore Program Director<br \/><a href=\"mailto:heidi@firstinmichigan.org\">heidi@firstinmichigan.org<\/a><br \/>(989) 513-1841<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore FIRST LEGO League Explore!Michigan students in grades K\u20133 work together to explore a real-world theme, build and program with LEGO\u00ae Education SPIKE\u2122 Essential, and celebrate their accomplishments at a Festival. &nbsp; Before you register Before creating or registering your team, make sure you have the basic pieces needed to participate in the Michigan FIRST LEGO League Explore program: Students: Form a team of 2\u20136 students who are in kindergarten through third grade. Lead Coaches: Identify two adults who will register as Lead Coaches and complete FIRST Youth Protection requirements. Team affiliation: Connect the team with a school or an eligible youth-serving nonprofit organization that<a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/run-a-team-2\/\">Read More &rarr;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["entry","page","publish","author-klaw-webmastergmail-com","post-112"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/112","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=112"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/112\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2775,"href":"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/112\/revisions\/2775"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstinmichigan.us\/FLL-Explore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}