LEGO® Junior League (often called FIRST® LEGO® League Explore) and FIRST® LEGO® League (sometimes called FLL Challenge) are two youth robotics programs run by FIRST and LEGO® Education. Both teach STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) through hands-on LEGO projects, but they target different age groups and competition styles. In Singapore, Duck Learning (the exclusive LEGO® Education distributor) is the official partner for both programs.

LEGO® Junior League (FLL Explore) 

• Age Group (6–10 years): This division is aimed at younger primary-school children
  

• Structure: It is non-competitive and community-based Teams (usually 2–5 kids with an adult coach) choose a theme (e.g. energy, oceans) and build LEGO® models or simple robots to illustrate one part of the theme. Each team then makes a “Show Me” presentation to explain their project.
  

• Focus: The emphasis is on creative exploration and fundamentals of engineering. Participants use LEGO® Education kits like WeDo 2.0 or SPIKE Essential to design and build solutions. There are no scores or rankings; instead teams celebrate and learn together in local showcase event. In Singapore, this programme happens yearly in March, usually at an international school in Singapore.
  

  

FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL Challenge)

• Age Group (9–16 years): This division is for older children (upper primary and secondary students)
  

• Structure: It is a friendly robotics competition. Teams of 2–5 students research a real-world problem, build and program an autonomous LEGO® robot, and compete in timed games. Each season has an annual theme (e.g. exploration, sustainability). Teams earn points by completing tasks (missions) with their robot and by presenting their innovation and core values to judges. Top teams may advance to national or world championship events.
  

• Focus: FLL Challenge emphasizes problem-solving, coding, and advanced engineering skills. Students use LEGO® SPIKE Prime or Mindstorms EV3 sets to build sophisticated robots. The program also teaches teamwork and communication, with judging on innovation and the FIRST Core Values. In Singapore, this programme happens yearly in March, usually at an international school in Singapore.
  
  

  

Key Differences: Format, Educational Goals, and Skills

• Competition Format: Junior League/Explore is essentially a festival or expo. Teams showcase their projects to family, friends and judges in a fun, non-competitive environment. In contrast, FIRST® LEGO® League (Challenge) holds tournaments where teams compete on a game field against the clock and each other. Challenge events have official scorekeeping, awards, and advancement to higher levels.
  
  

• Educational Goals: Both divisions introduce STEM, but at different levels. Explore aims to spark curiosity and creative thinking in younger kids; it guides them through the engineering design process on a small scale. Challenge builds on that foundation students tackle complex problems, apply coding to control their robots, and learn research skills through a team project.
  
  

• Teamwork & Skills: Both programs teach collaboration and communication. In Explore, teams learn basic engineering and design thinking by building LEGO® models and solving simple challenges. In Challenge, teams learn coding, sensor use, and advanced problem-solving as they iterate their robot design for higher scores. Importantly, 98% of FLL participants report increased STEM interest and 88% report better teamwork skills, regardless of division.
  
  

Educational Benefits of FIRST® LEGO® League

Participating in either LEGO® Junior League or FIRST® LEGO® League offers strong STEM and life skills:

1. STEM Learning (or STEAM) – Students gain hands-on experience with science and engineering. In fact, 98% of participants show greater awareness of STEM concepts after competing.
   
   

2. Problem-Solving & Creativity – Both leagues challenge kids to ask questions, brainstorm solutions, and iterate. 71% of students report improved problem-solving skills.
   
   

3. Teamwork & Collaboration – Working in small teams teaches communication, division of roles, and cooperation. 88% of FLL students say the program strengthened their teamwork abilities.
   
   

4. Confidence & Leadership – Teams must present and explain their projects or robots to judges. This builds public speaking and leadership. Globally, 81% of FIRST® LEGO® League alumni go on to study STEM majors, and 83% feel prepared to take on leadership roles.
   
   

5. Real-World Skills & 21st Century Competencies – Students also learn time management, research methods, and perseverance. They see firsthand how science and technology impact real issues, which helps make learning relevant and fun.
   
   

By engaging in FIRST® LEGO® League, kids in Singapore and worldwide not only learn technical skills but also essential soft skills that prepare them for future STEM education and careers.

How to Join FIRST® LEGO® League in Singapore

Getting started in Singapore is straightforward:

• Form a Team: Teams usually form through schools, after-school programs, or community groups. Each team needs adult mentors and 2–5 students for Challenge (2–6 for Explore). If you struggle finding a team, contact us at steamengine@ducklearning.com, +65 9822 5921.
  
  

• Register Officially: Visit the website  Duck Learning’s registration portal to sign up your team Duck Learning. Duck Learning (Singapore’s exclusive LEGO® Education distributor) manages registrations for FLL.
  
  

• Training Support: Duck Learning offers STEAM Engine training workshops to help teams learn the ropes. There are competition programmes and holiday workshops. These sessions are useful for new teams or those seeking coaching on robot building and project work. Interested but not sure yet? Talk to us
  

• Deadlines & Kits: Registration deadlines and fees vary each season usually by end of January. After registering, teams order the official Challenge or Explore season kit through Duck Learning. The kit includes LEGO® pieces, motors, sensors, and software licenses needed for competitions. You can view the prices on the official FIRST® LEGO® League website or email them at info@firstlegoleague.sg.
  
  

• Events in Singapore: FLL Singapore holds Explore and Challenge events each season (often aligned with global themes). Check the official site for event dates. Duck Learning will provide updates on how and when these local events will take place. 
  
  

Overall, Duck Learning is the go-to resource asSingapore’s official LEGO® Education partner. Duck Learning works with Developing Innovative Youth and it has the latest news, training, and registration links for FIRST® LEGO® League Singapore.

Ready to Build with Duck Learning?

Both LEGO Junior League (FLL Explore) and FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL Challenge) offer rich, hands-on learning for kids in Singapore. They differ in age and competitiveness, but both nurture STEM skills, creativity, and teamwork. If you’re a parent or educator looking to inspire young learners with robotics and engineering, visit Duck Learning’s website today. There you’ll find details on programs, resources, and how to register your team for Singapore’s FIRST® LEGO® League competitions. Don’t miss the chance to join the FIRST® LEGO® League community and give kids a head start in STEM!