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Year 0 · Team Season Plan

Python for FIRST LEGO League: 12-Week Mission Build

This prerequisite season gives teams a structured march from block-based habits to Python mastery on SPIKE Prime. Each week pairs a code concept with a robot mechanic and a UNEARTHED™ mission target so the gains show up on the field immediately.

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Season focus anchors

Before diving into the week-by-week plan, align the team on the skills we revisit all season: Python control structures, drivetrain repeatability, and match-ready discipline. These anchors keep every practice pointed at the finalist table.

Python progression

Layer core language tools so every mission gains reliability.

  • Weeks 1-2: Master the REPL, variables, and tidy helper functions.
  • Weeks 3-4: Apply conditionals and `for` loops to manage sensors and repeated maneuvers.
  • Weeks 5-8: Use `while` loops, lists, and configuration dicts to tune line follows and standoffs.
  • Weeks 9-12: Organize modules, add `assert` tests, and build run menus for match day.

Robot engineering

Pair software decisions with field-ready hardware moves.

  • Dial in straight drive calibration, gyro turns, and black line approaches.
  • Chain mission attachments with consistent align → actuate routines.
  • Introduce bang-bang line follow, distance sensor standoff, and turn model comparisons.
  • Polish multi-launch sequences and reset choreography for competition pacing.

Match discipline

Build habits that hold up under the two minute thirty clock.

  • Document tunings, notes, and responsibilities in shared menus and logs.
  • Stress-test missions with time-boxed rehearsal and quick reset roles.
  • Review mission flow and attach checklists during showcase scrimmages.

Mission-by-mission breakdown

Twelve practices mix calibration labs, mission engineering, and deliberate testing rituals. Coaches can stretch or condense individual weeks, but keeping the pairings of software concept, robot mechanic, and mission goal maintains the learning progression.

  1. 01

    Python focus: REPL, variables

    Robot focus: Straight drive + centimeter calibration

    Mission target

    M15 Site Marking – drive from Home, stop centered on site boundary

  2. 02

    Python focus: Expressions, small functions

    Robot focus: Precise distance with move_for_degrees

    Mission target

    M01 Surface Brushing – approach dig site to a taped mark

  3. 03

    Python focus: Conditionals

    Robot focus: Gyro (yaw) right/left 90°

    Mission target

    M03 Mineshaft Explorer – square turn + corridor alignment

  4. 04

    Python focus: for loops

    Robot focus: Line approach (stop on black)

    Mission target

    M02 Map Reveal – detect alignment line and stop on it

  5. 05

    Python focus: while loops

    Robot focus: Bang-bang line follow (N s)

    Mission target

    M12 Salvage Operation – follow line to ship area, no contact

  6. 06

    Python focus: Decomposition

    Robot focus: Align → actuate an attachment motor

    Mission target

    M10 Tip the Scales – align to line then tip the scale

  7. 07

    Python focus: Lists

    Robot focus: Distance sensor approach, standoff

    Mission target

    M08 Silo – stop at 6–8 cm without contact

  8. 08

    Python focus: Dicts & configs

    Robot focus: Centralized tuning (speeds/thresholds)

    Mission target

    M04 Careful Recovery – improve repeatability of approach

  9. 09

    Python focus: Modules / multi-file

    Robot focus: Two-mission chain in one launch

    Mission target

    M01 + M02 – chain Surface Brushing → Map Reveal

  10. 10

    Python focus: Testing (assert)

    Robot focus: Turn-in-place vs arc (A/B test)

    Mission target

    M11 Angler Artifacts – choose turn model for tight space

  11. 11

    Python focus: Micro-UI/menu

    Robot focus: 2:30 run discipline

    Mission target

    M14 Forum – timed full run & reset routine

  12. 12

    Python focus: Showcase

    Robot focus: Polish & presentation

    Mission target

    Team choice – demo best run(s)

Mission names reference the official 2025/26 FIRST Inspires UNEARTHED™ Robot Game Software Scoresheet.