Applied coding
Students write real control logic against a physical robot that either completes the mission or does not. The feedback loop is immediate and honest.
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About the programme
FIRST® LEGO® League introduces STEM to children through fun, hands-on learning
Participants gain real-world problem-solving experience through a guided, global robotics programme — helping today's students and teachers build a better future together.
What it is
A guided global robotics programme, not a one-off competition
FIRST® LEGO® League sets a new theme every year. Teams spend a season researching that theme, designing a solution, and building and coding a LEGO® robot or model. They then bring the whole body of work to an event where it is celebrated and, in Challenge, scored.
What makes it work is the structure. Students are not simply handed a robot kit. They are handed a problem, a deadline, a team, and a set of values they will be assessed against. That combination is what turns a term of activity into genuine skill.
The 2026/27 BIOGLOW™ season is the final season of the FIRST® LEGO® League programme.
Three strands, one season
- Robot gameAutonomous missions
- Innovation ProjectResearch & solution
- Core ValuesHow the team works
Explore teams follow the same shape at a gentler scale: a model, a poster and a celebration of the process.
Why schools run it
What students actually walk away with
Engineering iteration
Designs fail on the field. Teams learn to diagnose, redesign and retest under time pressure — the single most transferable skill in the programme.
Research and argument
The Innovation Project requires students to identify a real problem, investigate it properly, and defend a proposed solution to a panel.
Presentation under pressure
Judged sessions are short, direct and adult-facing. Students learn to explain technical work clearly to people who ask difficult questions.
Team discipline
Roles, deadlines and shared accountability across a whole season. Core Values are assessed, so collaboration is not optional.
Curriculum alignment
Maps cleanly onto UAE and international STEM frameworks, and supports MOE, ADEK and KHDA innovation and 21st-century-skills priorities.
FIRST® Core Values
The behaviours every team is measured on
The FIRST® Core Values are fundamental to FIRST® and unique to its programmes. They emphasise friendly sportsmanship, respect for others' contributions, teamwork, learning and community involvement.
Discovery
We explore new skills and ideas.
Innovation
We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
Impact
We apply what we learn to improve our world.
Inclusion
We respect each other and embrace our differences.
Teamwork
We are stronger when we work together.
Fun
We enjoy and celebrate what we do.
Gracious Professionalism®
Compete hard. Treat each other well.
Gracious Professionalism is the idea that fierce competition and mutual respect are not in conflict. Teams lend each other spare parts. Winners help the teams they just beat. Coopertition® is the same principle in practice: displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of competition.
At UAE events this is not a slogan on a banner. Judges are briefed to watch for it, and it carries real weight in the awards.
Season 2026/27 is open
Bring BIOGLOW™ to your school
Explore and Challenge teams across the Emirates are registering now. Secure your kit, lock in your coach orientation date, and start building.
