There are four parts to FLL; the two main parts are the table challenge and the research project. For the table challenge, each team has to build and program a robot, which is then created with LEGO parts. On a game table, the robot must autonomously accomplish pre-determined missions assigned by FIRST each September. The theme of the challenge changes each year.

For the research project, teams have to choose a topic that reflects the year's theme. Then they have to come up with an extension to the technology that is presently in use or create a solution to a problem that has not yet been solved. After much research and meeting with scientists in the field, the teams must create a presentation to explain their solutions to the research project judges.

The other two parts of FLL are the teamwork and technical judging. In teamwork judging, teams are interviewed and scored on how well they've worked together that year. For technical judging, teams are scored on their robot's unique design and how well it performs. Put that together and you've got FIRST LEGO League!!