FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS
COACHES, EDUCATORS, PARENTS AND ANYONE INTERESTED IN THE EXPLORE PROGRAM.
With this page we will try to answers all your Explore program questions.
GENERAL EXPLORE QUESTIONS
Do we need other LEGO to build our Explore models?
No, you do not need any LEGO, other than your Explore set and your WeDo 2.0 Core Setor Spike Essential set.
How old must the kids be to participate in Explore Program?
6-10 years
Now that teams can use the new Spike Essential sets, may the WeDo2.0 sets still be use for the Explore program?
Yes, you can still use your WeDo2.0 set.
How many WeDo 2.0 or Spike Essential sets, does a team need?
One WeDo 2.0 Core Set or 1 Spike Essential set per team. The Team Meeting Guide will guide you on sharing.
Where can I buy the WeDo 2.0 set or Spike Essential set?
In South Africa, the LEGO Education Retailer is: Hands On Technologies – https://www.handsontech.co.za/ You only need to buy 1 WeDo 2.0 Core Set or Spike Essential set, for 1 team. It can be ordered online.
Do I require any special skills?
The really cool thing about FIRST LEGO League Explore is that all skill levels are welcomed and needed, technical or non-technical. Teams need all kinds of skills and creativity to succeed, so what are you good at? Chances are we have a job for you. And you will probably learn a few new skills while you are here. The most successful team coaches are people with at least an interest in science and technology and in helping kids discover and learn.
FIRST LEGO League Explore welcomes everyone, with or without special skills. Like our coaches say: “This is the only sport where if you show up, you can play.”
What is the time commitment?
Ideally the teams will meet once a week, for 1 to 1 ½ hours. You don’t want to make the sessions too long as we are dealing with smaller children. There are 12 sessions in the Engineering Notebook that kids will need to complete, so you will need 12 weeks/sessions to run the full program. One additional day will be needed, when you do a Celebration Event, at your School or Centre. Or when your participate at a Regional Event.
CELEBRATION EVENTS
Where can I register an Explore team?
Explore Team Registration
What happens at a Celebration event?
At an Event your team will be allocated an area with a table and chairs where they will display their Show Me poster and their Team Model.
Reviewers will ask the team questions about their season journey, their solution, the programming and their team model. All team members will be encouraged to answer questions.
Samples of Review questions and the Review sheet, that the Reviewers will use, can be found at:
Superpowered Explore Reviewing Documents
The list of awards is included in the Reviewing Documents
Remember it is a Celebration event and not a Competition!! There will be a Reviewing session – not a Judging session!!
The list of awards is included in the Reviewing Documents
Teams will be given awards based on the team’s strengths. Please click here for a list of possible awards.
If I host a Celebration Event at my school, who do I use as reviewers?
You can ask other teachers and parents to be reviewers. They will use the reviewing sheet to rate the project, programming, model, etc. So they do not need to have any technical skills. or previous experience.
You can also ask interested people in your community.
Can I invite somebody from FIRST SA to attend the Celebration Event at my school?
We encourage you to invite our Regional Managers and National Management to your Events. We would love to attend the Celebration Events at schools, if possible.
Who else can I invite to the Celebration Event?
Parents, family and friends. Teachers, not only from your own school, but from other schools as well. Owners of companies with an interest in the youth and potential sponsors.
WeDo 2.0
Where can I find the WeDo2.0 software?
https://education.lego.com/en-us/downloads/wedo-2/software
What are the system requirements to download to WeDo 2.0 software?
Mac | Windows 10 | Windows 7 | Chromebook | Android Tablet | iPad | |
| Processor | 1.5GHz Intel® Core Duo | 1.5GHz Intel® Core Duo | 1.5GHz Intel® Core Duo1. | 1.40GHz Intel® Celeron® 2955U dual-core | iPad 3 / iPad mini | |
| RAM | >1.5GB | 2GB / 4GB | >1.5GB | 4GB | ||
| Available disk space | 2GB | 2GB | 2GB | 2GB | 2GB | |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | |
| Operating system | Mac OCX 10.10 | Windows 10 (version 14393) | Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 (32/64-bit) | Chrome OS version 50 or above | Android 4.4.2 KitKat | iOS 8.1 or above |
| Extra | BLED112 Bluetooth low power dongle | Internet connection | Camera 8” display | |||
| NB Not all Android tablets are supported – check with LEGO Education first |
SPIKE ESSENTIAL
Where can I find the Spike Essential software?
https://education.lego.com/en-gb/downloads/spike-app/software
What are the system requirements to download to Spike Essential software?
TEAM AND COACH RESOURCES
Is there an easy way to help learners to remember the WeDo Programming Blocks, when they are busy with a lesson?
Here is a link to the WeDO Programming Blocks Poster: WeDO 2.0 Programming Blocks Poster Print it and post it against the classroom walls.
What training do I need, as a coach, on the software?Is there an easy way to help learners to remember the WeDo Programming Blocks, when they are busy with a lesson?
No training needed, but if you want to get a headstart and want to understand how the Spike Essential work you can use this link: Getting started with Spike Essential – with the Moment Makers Robotics Team
The Lego Education Teachers Resources: https://education.lego.com/en-us/start/spike-essential#Teacher-Resources , can also be very useful.
Just remember that the Lego Education Unit plans is NOT First lego League Explore lessons, (although some of the Unit plans are used in the Explore sessions)
Can I implement Explore program into our school Curriculum?
Yes, you can! FIRST have drawn up some implementation plans, using the Explore Engineering Notebooks to guide educators. Different implementation time-plans are available: Explore Scope and Sequence
Where can I find some more Explore Resources? FIRST Resources:
GRANTS
Where can I find more info on Explore Grants?
Currently no Explore Grants are available, as soon as Grant Applications open again, we will publish it on our Website.
What age groups are targeted for Explore Grants?
Age 6-10 years
Who can apply for Explore Grants?
For Class Pack Grants – Schools, Community Centres and NGO’s – in under-served Communities
For Single Team Grants – Single teams in under-served communities.
Where can I find a Grant Application form?
Currently no grants available.
Grant Applications have closed, what can I do to apply again?
You will have to wait for the new Application form to be released or send an e-mail to explore@firstsa.org
If you have any other questions, please send them to explore@firstsa.org