FLL Challenge Teams
FIRST LEGO League Challenge competition teams for students in grades 4–8 at UP Robotics in Bethesda, MD.
Grades 4–8 · Competition team
FLL Challenge teams bring robot design, programming, research, and presentation together in one season-long experience. Students prepare a robot for mission play, develop an Innovation Project, explain their engineering decisions, and compete at official tournaments.
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Grade range | Grades 4–8 |
| Practice commitment | Two 2-hour practices per week for most teams |
| Tuition | $300/month |
| Competition | FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge |
| Enrollment | Limited roster openings; placement required |
What team members do
- Design, build, and program a reliable mission robot.
- Test attachments and improve run consistency under time pressure.
- Research a real-world problem and develop an Innovation Project.
- Prepare presentations and answer questions from judges.
- Practice FIRST® Core Values, collaboration, and shared ownership.
Current pathway and rosters
UP Robotics fields multiple FLL Challenge teams, including weekday, weekend, all-girls, and homeschool-compatible options. Availability varies by roster; the Fall schedule shows current team names, practice times, and teams that are already full.
Students who want mission training without two weekly practices or tournaments should begin with the FLL Challenge Class.
Joining a team
Returning team members receive priority. For new students, we consider grade, experience, schedule compatibility, and space on an appropriate roster. An inquiry is not a commitment—it starts the placement conversation.
Ask about FLL team openings See FLL practice times
Frequently asked questions
Is prior competition experience required?
Not always. Building and coding experience helps, but readiness also includes collaboration, persistence, and the ability to commit to the team schedule.
How is this different from FLL Challenge Class?
The class focuses on robot missions once a week. A team adds a second weekly practice, Innovation Project, judging preparation, defined team roles, and tournaments.
Can homeschool students participate?
Yes. The current schedule includes a Friday FLL option designed to work well for homeschool families.