Microplastics are invading our oceans! To fight back, scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems have developed jellyfish-like robots that scoop up pollution to protect marine life. Here in Beijing, another team of engineers huddles over their latest prototype of marine technology. They test ideas, troubleshoot, and refine their designs, just like the experts. Their secret strength? They’re first graders, and their robots are made of LEGO.
My 6-year-old, Leili, and her teammates aren’t just stacking bricks. They’re part of FIRST LEGO League (FLL), a global robotics competition that challenges kids to solve real-world problems. I first heard of “LEGO robotics” from friends back in Washington DC, who wanted to spark their kids’ interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Their middle schoolers seemed happy to build cool robots. It’s part play, part engineering, and 100 percent fun.
What is FIRST LEGO League?
FLL is an international robotics program where kids aged 4-16 learn coding and problem-solving by designing LEGO-based solutions to scientific challenges. Teams compete in three age categories:
- Discover (4-6 years old) – STEM basics with LEGO DUPLO
- Explore (6-9 years old) – Intro to robotics and programming
- Challenge (9-16 years old) – Advanced coding of robots to complete missions
Each season features a new theme, with past topics covering energy solutions, transportation logistics, and creativity in technology. This year’s theme, SUBMERGED, plunges kids into underwater exploration, sustainability, and marine innovation.
Beijing’s Thriving LEGO Robotics Scene
FLL has taken off in China, with over 200 teams in Beijing competing in high-octane tournaments at venues like the National Aquatics Center (“The Cube”). Finalists advance to the FLL Asia Open Championship – last year held in Hong Kong and this summer in Sydney.
The competition is rigorous. Teams of 4-6 kids:
✔️ Identify a real-world problem related to the theme
✔️ Research solutions and develop LEGO-based technology
✔️ Build and test prototypes, document their ideas, and present their work to judges
The best teams advance to regional and international championships, showcasing their ingenuity on a global stage.
Younger kids at 2023 FLL Beijing, held at The Cube. Photo credit: The Cube.
Older kids at FLL 2023 Asia Open Championship. Photo credit: True Light School of Hong Kong.
Forming Our “Dream Team”
Instead of joining a school-based team, we formed our own group of 6- and 7-year-olds in the Explore category. Our goal? To work through as many SUBMERGED-themed engineering modules as possible before next year’s challenge is announced.
To coach us, we partnered with Creativa, a Beijing-based ed-tech company led by Jessica and Carlos Soto, two engineers with over a decade of experience training young innovators. With their guidance, we kicked off our first session in January, meeting monthly to build, experiment, and – true to LEGO’s motto of “Learn through play” – have fun.
What the Kids (and Parents) Are Saying
Recently, the team completed the Abyssal module, exploring the ocean’s deepest layer – the Midnight Zone. They built seacopters and submersibles designed to probe these depths and presented their creations to parents, just as they would to a judges’ panel.
What do they love most about LEGO robotics?
💬 “When I build, I can create my own things,” says 6-year-old John from British School of Beijing (BSB) Sanlitun
💬 “Coding,” says 7-year-old Isabel from Western Academy of Beijing (WAB)
💬 “I like controlling the boat a lot of times!” shares 6-year-old Leili from House of Knowledge (HOK)
💬 “Robots are COOL,” says 6-year-old Karl from HOK
And from the parents …
💡 “Full of fun and creativity combined with logical thinking. Perfect match for kids, preparing them for the future.” – John’s mom
💡 “Gives my kids the chance to develop their teamwork and presentation skills.” – Enya’s mom
💡 “Combines fun and learning.” – Karl’s dad
💡 “It’s a great basis for coding.” – Leili’s dad
Insights From the Coaches
While we champion learning for learning’s sake and the thrill of the competition rather than fixating on winning, we couldn’t help but ask our coaches how to maximize the team’s performance.
“‘Explore’ teams should ideally complete all core modules before the competition to build their skills and confidence,” Coach Carlos told our group of parents. “With practice, they start thinking like a team – that’s when they get really good.”
The key first step? Enjoy coding. Some schools start learners off by writing hundreds of lines of code, but Creativa’s goal is to “make kids love code.” They want to ignite kids’ intrinsic passion, then guide their skills to take flight.
Coach Carla, herself a systems engineer, reflected: “Since university, I always dreamt of teaching girls. I was the only woman in my class, and I always questioned – why not girls?” She believes LEGO robotics makes STEM accessible to all.
Want To Get Involved?
My bottom line: FLL is an engaging, hands-on way to fuel kids’ enthusiasm for STEM.
Check out:
🔗 FIRST LEGO League – global resources
🔗 FLL’s Community Blog – team stories
In Beijing:
Creativa can help you start or join a team. Scan the QR code to get in touch.
Stay tuned for the next big FLL event in Beijing this fall. Until then, happy innovating!
Images: The Cube, Tara Fegelein
