Remote Workshops
In-Person Workshops
Previous Workshops
Professional Development and Coach Workshops for Adults interested in Coaching Teams
Our workshops are progressive so please contact us at registrar@ortop.org, if you have questions about which workshops you should attend. You can sign up for all or choose those that fit your coaching level. Please note: some are remote and some are offered in-person.
Teachers: On request we can provide you a certificate that documents the hours you participate in our workshops as professional development units.
FIRST LEGO League Challenge is a great experience for children from 4th through 8th grade. To help both prospective coaches and returning coaches gain insight and confidence in their role we offer a series of workshops. These workshops cover a combination of the facilitating role that coaches play as well as prepare coaches to serve as informal technical consultants on LEGO robotics while the team members do the hands-on work.
The following sessions were offered in Summer 2024. Scroll down for In-person Workshops and Recordings of Past Workshops.
For information on workshops for FIRST Tech Challenge coaches. click here.
Remote Professional Development Workshops
Introduction to FIRST Programs, ORTOP’s roles, Team Formation and More!
We invite you to join us for this remote workshop as we introduce you to FIRST Programs, ORTOP’s roles as well as the several FIRST programs, their relationship to project-based learning, the roles of coaches and students, team formation and overviews of equipment needed plus team budgets.
- Wednesday, September 4, 6:30-7:30pm: Register here
Coaching a team that is beginning to learn how to program a LEGO Robot
This workshop is led by an instructor who has produced many YouTube videos on programming SPIKE Prime robots. Each new FIRST LEGO League Challenge team uses a LEGO SPIKE Prime kit to build and program a robot that solves challenges on a 4-foot by 8-foot playing field. Prospective coaches will learn how colorful blocks are assembled on a computer screen to create programs for a LEGO robot. Most of the class will feature live demonstrations of programing and testing the programs using a SPIKE Prime robot running the programs. A SPIKE Prime kit is not required to attend this remote workshop.
- Tuesday, September 10, 6:30-8pm: Register here
Coaching teams members as they learn intermediate skills in programming robots
This remote workshop is for prospective coaches who want to learn more about how students will use Spike Prime kits including how sensors can be used to help a robot complete its missions. This workshop is led by an instructor who has produced many YouTube videos on programming SPIKE Prime robots. Most of the class will feature live demonstrations of programing and testing the programs using a SPIKE Prime robot running the programs. A SPIKE Prime kit is not required to attend this remote workshop.
- Monday, September 16, 6:30-8pm: Register here
Nuts and Bolts for FIRST in Oregon
In this remote workshop, we will show you how to register a team with FIRST, navigate your dashboard, review the Youth Protection Policy (YPP), and register with ORTOP.
- Mon, Sep 09, 6:30-7:30pm: Register here
In-person Professional Development Workshops
Coaching a team that is beginning to learn how to program a LEGO Robot
All about programming with SPIKE Prime! This in-person workshop is led by an instructor who has produced many YouTube videos on programming SPIKE Prime robots. Learn how to navigate the Spike Prime App for FLL Challenge and program your robot. If you have a SPIKE Prime kit, please bring it and computer or tablet with the Spike Prime software installed. If you don’t have a kit yet, please drop a note to registrar@ortop.org to see if we can provide one for your use during the workshop.
- Sat, Sep 14, 9-10:30am
- Register here for in-person workshops at
PCC Sylvania, 1200 SW 49th Ave, Portland 97213
Coaching teams members as they learn intermediate skills in programming robots
This in-person workshop is for FLL Challenge coaches who are familiar with SPIKE Prime or have taken Beginning SPIKE Prime Programing and want to learn more about sensors and intermediate programming skills. If you have a SPIKE Prime kit, please bring it and computer or tablet with the Spike Prime software installed. If you don’t have a kit yet, please drop a note to registrar@ortop.org to see if we can provide one for your use during the workshop.
- Sat Sept 14, 11am-12:30pm
- Register here for in-person workshops at
PCC Sylvania, 12000 SW 49th Ave, Portland 97213
Recordings of Past Workshops
You can find recordings of past workshops below as well as on our Wiki.
FIRST LEGO League Challenge is a hands-on, inquiry-led, project-based robotics program that invigorates and engages students and coaches alike. Join us for a remote session on the Core Values that inform the curriculum, the pedagogy of Project-Based Learning, and the coaching strategies and logistics of running a team during a competitive season. Staff and volunteers from ORTOP will be available to answer questions.
Time: About 1-1/2 hours
Join ORTOP Staff and Volunteers for an in-depth conversation about the Innovation Project– how to set your team up for a satisfying research and design experience, as well as a successful judging session. This was a remote workshop and intended either as a stand-alone refresher or as part of the Introduction to ORTOP and FIRST series.
Time: About 1 hour
Each new FIRST LEGO League Challenge team uses a LEGO SPIKE Prime kit to build and program a robot that solves challenges on a 4-foot by 8-foot playing field. Prospective coaches will learn how colorful blocks are assembled on a computer screen to create programs for a LEGO robot.
Time: About 1 1/2 hours
This remote workshop is for prospective coaches who want to learn more about how students will use SPIKE Prime kits including how sensors can be used to help a robot complete its missions.
Time: About 1 1/2 hours
Other Workshops and Resources
Check out these videos relating to FIRST LEGO League Core Values. You will also find other resources on the ORTOP Wiki.
