Page Contents
Remote Workshops
In-Person Workshops
Previous Workshops
Workshops for Adults interested in Coaching Teams
FIRST LEGO League 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.
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.
The following sessions were offered in Spring and Summer 2024. Scroll down for Recordings of Past Workshops.
Remote 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.
- Tuesday, June 11, 6:30-7:30pm: Register here
- Tuesday, July 9, 6:30-7:30pm: Register here
- Wednesday, August 7, 6:30-7:30pm: Register here
- Monday, August 12, 6:30-7:30pm: Register here
- Wednesday, September 4, 6:30-7:30pm: Register here
Beginning Spike Prime Programming
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. A SPIKE Prime kit is not required to attend this remote workshop.
- Tuesday, July 16, 6:30-8pm: Register here
- Wednesday, August 14, 6:30-8pm: Register here
- Tuesday, September 10, 6:30-8pm: Register here
Intermediate Spike Prime Programming
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. A SPIKE Prime kit is not required to attend this remote workshop.
- Tuesday, July 2, 6:30-8pm: Register here
- Tuesday, July 23, 6:30-8pm: Register here
- Wednesday, August 21, 6:30-8pm: Register here
- 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.
- Wed, Aug 28, 6:30-7:30pm: Register here
- Mon, Sep 09, 6:30-7:30pm: Register here
In-person Workshops
Beginning SPIKE Prime Programming
All about programming with Spike Prime! This in-person workshop is for new coaches. Learn how to navigate the Spike Prime App for FLL Challenge and program your robot. Please bring your Spike Prime robot (Drive base 1, charged and ready to go) and computer or tablet with the Spike Prime software installed.
- Sat, Jul 13, 9-10:30am
- Sat, Aug 10, 9-10:30am
- Sat, Aug 24, 9-10:30am
- Sat, Sep 14, 9-10:30am
- Register here for in-person workshops at
PCC Sylvania, 1200 SW 49th Ave, Portland 97213
Intermediate SPIKE Prime Programming
This in-person workshop is for FLL Challenge coaches who are familiar with Spike Prime and want to learn more about sensors and intermediate programming skills. Please bring your Spike Prime robot and computer or tablet with Spike Prime software installed.
- Sat, Jul 13, 11am-12:30pm
- Sat, Aug 10, 11am-12:30pm
- Sat, Aug 24, 11am-12:30pm
- 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.