Episode description

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we speak with Kim Wierman to learn about the FIRST LEGO League. For more than 30 years, FIRST has partnered with LEGO Education to provide outstanding collaborative learning environments and student competitions that ask teams of students to use the LEGO brick to solve a real-world problem.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What is FIRST LEGO League?
• FIRST LEGO League vs FIRST LEGO League Jr
• LEGO Mindstorms
• Professional Development for Teachers
• What do FIRST LEGO League competitions look like?How do you prepare for competitions?
• What do the kits look like and cost?
• How to get involved as a teacher & school district 

• Website: FIRST legoleague.org
• Twitter: @FIRST legoleague

 LEGO Education offers playful learning experiences and teaching solutions based on the LEGO system of bricks, curriculum-relevant material, and physical and digital resources to preschool, elementary, middle school and after school. Solutions and resources from LEGO Education enable every student to succeed by encouraging them to become active, collaborative learners, build skills for future challenges, and establish a positive mindset toward learning.

• Website: education.lego.com
• Twitter: @LEGO_Education
• Facebook: facebook.com/LEGOeducationOfficial

FIRST LEGO League is the most accessible, guided, global robotics competition, helping students and teachers to build a better future together. The program is built around theme-based Challenges to engage children ages 9 to 16* in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering. The foundation of the program is the FIRST Core Values, which emphasize teamwork, discovery, and innovation. Students emerge more confident, excited, and equipped with the skills they need in a changing workforce.

• Website: FIRST inspires.org
• Twitter: @FIRST weets
• Facebook: facebook.com/FIRST Official

• The TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCast

• Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

• FIRST LEGO League website: http://www.firstlegoleague.org/

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