Frequently Asked Questions

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Borderland Robotics is a dynamic homeschool robotics club dedicated to participating in the FIRST Robotics League. With a focus on teamwork, innovation, and real-world problem-solving, our club members collaborate to design, build, and program robots to possibly compete in thrilling FIRST competitions, honing their skills and embracing the spirit of friendly competition. 

 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) competitions are a series of robotics programs designed for students of different age groups to engage in hands-on STEM learning experiences. The programs offered by FIRST include:

1. FIRST LEGO League Discover (FLLD): A playful, introductory STEM program that ignites natural curiosity and builds learning habits with hands-on activities using LEGO DUPLO bricks. Ages: 5 - 7 yrs
2. FIRST LEGO League Explore (FLLE): This group focuses on the fundamentals of engineering as the team explores real-world problems and learns to design, code, and create unique solutions made with LEGO bricks and powered by LEGO Education SPIKE Essential motors and apps. Ages: 7 - 10 yrs
3. FIRST LEGO League Challenge (FLLC): Friendly competition is at the heart of Challenge, as the team engages in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering - building and programming a LEGO robot that navigates the missions of a robot game. Ages: 10 - 13 yrs
4. FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC):  This group is challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots using a comprehensive set of mechanical and electrical components. Each season concludes with regional championship events and an exciting FIRST Championship, where the team can compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format against other FIRST Tech Challenge teams. Ages: 13 - 18 yrs

Each FIRST competition encourages teamwork, problem-solving, innovation, and gracious professionalism. They provide opportunities for students to apply their STEM knowledge, collaborate with mentors, compete at local and international events, and develop valuable life skills.

We currently have the following teams:

• FIRST LEGO League Discover (5-7 yrs)
• FIRST LEGO League Explore (7-10 yrs)
• FIRST LEGO League Challenge (10-13 yrs)
• FIRST Tech Challenge (13 -18 yrs)

Enrollment opens July 29 for the 2025 - 2026 season.

Teams meet from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays in west El Paso during the official season, which runs from August to February.

While helpful, your child does not have to have previous experience with robotics or programming. They will be taught all necessary skills during the season. As long as there's interest, we can do the rest!

No, a parent or supervising adult must be present during robotics meetings.

Borderland Robotics provides annual memberships in four distinct groups based on age. Teams meet for two hours weekly from August to February.

     -  FIRST Lego League Discover (Ages 5-7) - $65 per student

     -  FIRST Lego League Explore (Ages 7-10) - $85 per student

     -  FIRST Lego League Challenge (Ages 10-13) - $120 per student

     -  FIRST Tech Challenge (Ages 13-18) - $170 per student