Senior Solutions | FIRST in Florida

FLL Update: Global Innovation, 2013 Build Instructions,New Video & Scholarship

Posted on February 7, 2013 by tmw2010

–>FLL(R) Global Innovation Award

The FLL Global Innovation Award competition is well underway, and submissions from all over the world are pouring in! If you think your team’s Project idea could help seniors be more independent, engaged, and connected, then enter today at http://fllinnovation.firstlegoleague.org/. Your team could win the top prize of USD $20,000! Online voting begins Monday, February 11 at 12pm ET, so tell all your friends and family to vote for their favorite idea! The deadline for submissions and voting is March 1, 2013 at 12pm ET.

–>Just a Click Away… NATURE’S FURY(SM) Mission Models
Exciting news! Beginning the 2013 NATURE’S FURY season, building instructions for the Mission Models will only be available online on the http://firstlegoleague.org website. No more lost CDs and, easy access from anywhere. Click, click, hooray!

–>SENIOR SOLUTIONS(SM) Tournament Video
Wonder where you can get a copy of the informative and fun SENIOR SOLUTIONS video your team saw at a tournament this season? Want to show it to friends and family to tell them about FLL? Well look no further! Check out the FLLGlobal YouTube channel to view the “What is FLL/Core Values” video -http://www.youtube.com/fllglobal. And for more SENIOR SOLUTIONS related video don’t forget to check out the “2012 SENIOR SOLUTIONS Official Videos” playlist - http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC9C9C4053C2F2E4A.

–>For U.S. Teams – Dr. Bart Kamen Memorial Scholarship
Any college-bound FIRST(R) student participant who has completed a minimum of one year in a FIRST program is eligible to apply for the Dr. Bart Kamen FIRST Scholarship Fund. The deadline for applications is Friday, 2/15/13. Please visit: http://www.usfirst.org/aboutus/scholarships/dr-bart-kamen-memorial-scholarship for details on this opportunity.

*THIS EMAIL IS FROM FIRST – MANCHESTER NH USA. BE SURE TO WATCH FOR EMAILS FROM YOUR LOCAL PARTNER.*

With High 5’s and Admiration,
FLL Team Support

Stay Connected with FLL!
Twitter (@firstlegoleague)| YouTube (youtube.com/fllglobal)|FLL Blog (fllblog.wordpress.com)
FIRST(R) LEGO(R) League (http://firstlegoleague.org) | fllteams@usfirst.org | +1 603-666-3906 x0, +1 800-871-8326 x0 | FIRST(R) (http://usfirst.org) - 200 Bedford Street – Manchester NH USA 03101

Filed under: FLL, STEM news | Tagged: FIRST LEGO League, FLL, FLL Global Innovation Award, FLL resources, NATURE’S FURY(SM) Mission Models, Senior Solutions, SENIOR SOLUTIONS Tournament Video, STEM education | Leave a Comment »

FRCs Ultimate Ascent Puts all Four FIRST Programs Underway!

Posted on January 5, 2013 by tmw2010

It’s official – with the kick-off of the 2013 FIRST Robotics Competition, Ultimate Ascent, earlier today, all four FIRST K-12 programs are underway in Florida and nationwide! The intense six week FRC build, this year throws a bunch of old rules out the building, with new drive train possibilities, new components, and a whole new game! Teams all over the country and internationally gathered together in schools, arenas, homes, Boys & Girls Clubs, 4H centers, and wherever they could to watch the 2013 Season Kick-off.

At the Orlando Science Schools, one of three kick-off locations in Florida, 14 teams came from across central Florida to pick up their Kit of Parts and see the kick off. While they waited for the kick off, they sat in on some great presentations on solid design processes and good drive trains, courtesy of hosting team, Clockwork Mania . We’ll be archiving the presentations on our Library page soon.

Now it’s nose to the grindstone for a frenetic six weeks of building before it’s tools down on February 19.

So right now, all over Florida, students in kindergarten through high school are hard at work researching, designing, building, programming and doing outreach in Jr. FIRST LEGO League (Jr. FLL) , FIRST LEGO League (FLL) , FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), with students in the latter three vying for coveted spots, via their Regional events, in the FIRST World Championship in St. Louis, MO in April.

If things are heating up in Florida, it’s all that brain power – the collective intellectual and creative energy of nearly 10,000 young people enthusiastically building and learning as they go, developing the teamwork and technical skills to create a better future for themselves, and for us!

Go teams!

Filed under: FIRST Championship, FIRST events, FIRST in Florida, FIRST in the News, FIRST Resources, FLL, FRC, FTC, Jr. FLL, Orlando Regional, South Florida Regional, STEM news | Tagged: FIRST LEGO League, FIRST resources, FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge, FLL, FLL resources, FRC, FRC kick off, Jr. FLL, Senior Solutions, STEM education, Super Seniors | Leave a Comment »

FLL Update: Payments Due, E-Watt Saver Fundraiser, Grants Available and More!

Posted on October 12, 2012 by tmw2010

Coaches:

–>Payments Due October 15th
All teams and materials (robot set, field set up kit, optional items) must be paid for by October 15^th. Information on payment is found: https://gofll.usfirst.org/pages/payment_information_and_options

–>Judging Coach Call – October 11th
On Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 7pm ET on “Judging: A Perspective for the Coach”, get an overview of the judging process. Review of the rubrics and where they can be found will also be addressed.
There will be a Q&A after the speakers are done, so come prepared with questions. Download agenda and call-in information: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresources#coach-calls

–>Message from Dean Kamen – E-Watt Saver Light Bulbs
Great news! To help you raise even more money for your teams from our ongoing and highly successful FIRST e-watt saver Light Bulb fundraiser program (you’re out there selling, I hope) — FIRST(R) is making this special, limited time offer: Now through November 30 ─ Buy one case of bulbs, get a second case absolutely FREE! (Teams must pay shipping on each case delivered.)
Wow…think about it…twice the revenue at half the cost! To boost sales, you can even set your own price on your free bulbs. This is a tremendous opportunity to help fund your team activities, so I urge you to take advantage of it. But you must act soon! This offer ends November 30 and will not be repeated.
For complete details, please visit: www.usfirst.org/e-wattresources Order today…and happy selling!
~ Dean Kamen

–> SENIOR SOLUTIONS(SM) Activities
Two (2) NEW activities related to the Challenge have been posted on the FLL Parent Page: http://firstlegoleague.org/node/206 . Pass it on to the parents on your team!

–> FLL to FIRST Tech Challenge(FTC) – Grants Available
FTC rookie team grants available to any team that includes an FLL alumni. Details: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/grow

–>Get Your FLL Team Gear
Gear up for SENIOR SOLUTIONS and show your FLL spirit with team t-shirts, hats or more. You can get the SENIOR SOLUTIONS logo on items of your choice at the FLL Web Store: http://first.epromo.com/page.i?cmd=fll Don’t see the exact item you like? You can make a suggestion by clicking the “Feedback” link and we can help your team come up with the right style. Special requests are welcome. Email Matt at mattl@logoloc.com.
Don’t forget to “Like” the FIRST Web Store on Facebook!

*THIS EMAIL IS FROM FIRST LEGO LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS. BE SURE TO WATCH FOR EMAILS FROM YOUR LOCAL PARTNER.*

With High 5’s and Admiration,
FLL Team Support

Stay Connected with FLL!
Twitter (@firstlegoleague)| YouTube (youtube.com/fllglobal)|FLL Blog (fllblog.wordpress.com)
FIRST(R) LEGO(R) League (http://firstlegoleague.org) | fllteams@usfirst.org | +1 603-666-3906 x0, +1 800-871-8326 x0 | FIRST(R) (http://usfirst.org) - 200 Bedford Street – Manchester NH USA 03101

Filed under: FIRST Resources, FLL | Tagged: FIRST LEGO League, FLL, Senior Solutions | Leave a Comment »

FLL Update: Registration Closing, FLL Parents, Event Participation & More!

Posted on September 21, 2012 by tmw2010

Coaches:

–>**Get Your Order in Today! Registration Closing**
Registration is quickly reaching our target for the SENIOR SOLUTIONS(SM) season. We are so excited that we already have 11,700 teams registered, but that does mean that slots are almost filled. We wish we could keep registration open, but we only have so many Field Setup Kits produced. If you are looking to register a team, now is the time as we anticipate that registration will be closing sometime next week and we may not stay open until the 30^th. Register TODAY: http://gofll.usfirst.org.

–>Calling all FLL Parents!
It’s here! We are proud to announce the arrival of the FIRST® LEGO® League Parent Page! Our goal is to connect with FLL parents and keep them engaged and informed about FLL. The Parent Page provides creative ideas, fun tips, and support throughout the season so they are able to keep up with their FLL kid. We’ll have new information for parents throughout the SENIOR SOLUTIONS^SM season, so be sure to check back often! http://firstlegoleague.org/parents
A topic you’d like to see addressed here? Have a comment or suggestion? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at fllparents@usfirst.org.

–>Event Participation
As a reminder, all teams must be officially registered and paid before they will be allowed to participate in official FLL tournaments. If your team has not paid yet, please log into the FLL team registration system at: http://gofll.usfirst.org

–>Missing Pieces?
Has your team searched high and low for a crucial mission model element? Never fear, check out page x (in the very beginning) of this years’ Coaches’ Handbook. Information on replacement LEGO parts can be found there.

*THIS EMAIL IS FROM FIRST LEGO LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS. BE SURE TO WATCH FOR EMAILS FROM YOUR LOCAL PARTNER.*

With High 5’s and Admiration,
FLL Team Support

Filed under: FIRST Resources, FLL, STEM news | Tagged: FIRST LEGO League, FLL, FLL Parent Page, FLL registration, Senior Solutions | Leave a Comment »

FLL Update: Coach Call – Tonight, Participation Rules, Updates

Posted on September 17, 2012 by tmw2010

Coaches:

–>“The Project” Call TONIGHT & “Core Values” Thursday
On Monday, September 17, 2012 at 7pm ET on “The Project” call, get a better understanding of how the Project fits into the SENIOR SOLUTIONS(SM) theme and an explanation of the different steps of the Project and how teams should tackle them.
On Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 7pm ET on the “Core Values/Teamwork” call, review the FLL Core Values are and explore ways on how to emphasize these values with your team.

Each call can hold 1000 participants, so make sure to join on time. There will be a Q&A after the speakers are done, so come prepared with questions.http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresources#coach-calls

If you missed last weeks’ call, “Robot Game”, listen to the recording:http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresources#coach-calls

–> FLL Participation Rules
Ever wondered about the basic participation rules for FLL? Find the FLL Participation Rules athttp://firstlegoleague.org/mission/participationrules . Additional rules (about things like the Robot Game, Project, and Awards) can be found through links on the website. Keep these rules in mind, but remember that your team can still have fun while following the rules!

–>Robot Game Updates & Project FAQs – Reminder
It is EXTREMELY important that teams check the Robot Game Updates page and the Project FAQ page frequently.

Robot Game Updates: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/robotgameupdates
Project FAQ: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/projectfaq

*THIS EMAIL IS FROM FIRST LEGO LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS. BE SURE TO WATCH FOR EMAILS FROM YOUR LOCAL PARTNER.*

With High 5’s and Admiration,
FLL Team Support

Filed under: FIRST Resources, FLL, STEM news | Tagged: FIRST LEGO League, FLL, FLL Coach calls, FLL resources, Senior Solutions | Leave a Comment »

Florida FLL Update: FL FLL Kick-Off and Upcoming Workshops

Posted on September 12, 2012 by tmw2010

Senior Solutions is underway for FIRST LEGO League teams around the world. Here are some upcoming opportunities here in the Sunshine State for open practice and learning, starting with the Senior Solutions Florida FLL Kick-off this coming Saturday, September 15 at Manatee Elementary School at 3425 Viera Blvd, Melbourne, FL . You must pre-register to attend, at http://www.flrobotics.org/events/KickoffReg.htm .

Upcoming practice and workshop opportunities include:

Panther Rumble Open Practice - Saturday, October 20 8:30am – 1:30pm, at Kennedy Middle School in Rockledge
Maitland Open Practice Maitland – Saturday, Oct 27 at Manatee Elementary School in Maitland
Tune it Up Tampa – Saturday, October 27 at Lomax Elementary School in Tampa
Jackson Middle School Open Practice & Workshop - Saturday, Oct 27 9am – 2pm at Jackson Middle School in Orlando

Visit Florida Robotics at http://www.flrobotics.org/events/default.html for full details and registration costs.

Filed under: FIRST events, FIRST in Florida, FLL, STEM news | Tagged: FIRST LEGO League, FLL, FLL Open Practice, FLL resources, FLL workshops, Florida Robotics, Senior Solutions | Leave a Comment »

FLL Update: Coach Calls, IMPORTANT Updates – Robot Game, Registration & Forums

Posted on September 10, 2012 by tmw2010

–>Coach Calls – “Robot Game” Call TOMORROW

On Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 7pm ET on the “Robot Game” call, get an explanation of the field and missions from FLL Robot Game designer, Scott Evans. What are the new/ changed rules for the season? This call is scheduled to run two (2) hours in length.

Each call can hold 1000 participants, so make sure to join on time. There will be a Q&A after the speakers are done, so come prepared with questions.

http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresources#coach-calls

If you missed last weeks’ call, “Basic Programming: Tips, Skills, and Resources”, listen to the recording here:http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresources#coach-calls

–>New Coach Call Added – FLL Global Innovation Award

FLL has added a NEW coach call to the schedule for this season . On November, 12th at 7 pm ET, learn the FLL Global Innovation Award and how it ties into the FLL season. How can your team prepare for it?

–>Robot Game Updates & Project FAQs – IMPORTANT

It is EXTREMELY important that teams check the Robot Game Updates page and the Project FAQ page frequently. Your team may have questions as they dive into the Challenge and the postings here contain official information that will be in effect at tournaments. Many teams assign a team member to check these pages before each meeting. It’s a great way to delegate responsibility!

Robot Game Updates - http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/robotgameupdates

Project FAQ - http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/projectfaq

–>What are Over 80,000 Kids doing this Fall (US/CAN)?

As of today, over 10,200 FLL teams in the US/CAN are registered for the SENIOR SOLUTIONS(SM) season. Assuming an average of 8 children per team, that’s over 80,000 children!

–>Forums

Have a programming question? Question about the Project or Robot Game? Connect on the FLL forums:http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/forums

Remember, this is not where official information is dispensed about the FLL program, but it’s a great way to connect with other inquiring minds.

*THIS EMAIL IS FROM FIRST LEGO LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS. BE SURE TO WATCH FOR EMAILS FROM YOUR LOCAL PARTNER.*

With High 5’s and Admiration,
FLL Team Support

Filed under: FIRST Resources, FLL, STEM news | Tagged: FIRST LEGO League, FLL, FLL Coach calls, FLL Global Innovation Award, FLL resources, Senior Solutions | Leave a Comment »

FLL Update: Challenge Release TOMORROW!, Registration Filling Up Fast!, Forums & Coach Calls

Posted on August 27, 2012 by tmw2010

–>SENIOR SOLUTIONS(SM) Challenge – Releases Tomorrow, August 28^th at 12 pm ET

Join the FLL community on http://firstlegoleague.org (& at various Challenge Release parties around the globe) as the 2012 SENIOR SOLUTIONS Challenge is released! Go to http://firstlegoleague.org to download the Robot Game and Project for this season.

We will also be releasing the Challenge Release video, official Robot Game video (from FLL engineer Scott Evans), interviews from the Challenge Advisory team, and supporting materials for the Project.

All the information will be linked off of http://firstlegoleague.org. So make that link your “one stop shop” for this season!

–>Twitter Frenzy!

Follow us on the FLL Twitter account, @firstlegoleague, and use hashtag, #seniorsolutions, when tweeting about the Challenge release. You retweet us, we’ll retweet you!

Example: @firstlegoleague Challenge Releases August 28th, 12 pm ET! Go #SENIORSOLUTIONS @firstweetshttp://firstlegoleague.org

Let’s get FLL trending!

–>Registration Filling Up Fast!

As of this morning there were nearly 8,000 teams registered for the SENIOR SOLUTIONS season. Registration closes at the end of September, however it may close earlier if all available spots are filled. Make sure that your team has all the necessary materials for the Challenge. This includes registration, the field setup kit, and the robot set, for teams who don’t have one already.

To register, go to http://gofll.usfirst.org

–>Forums

The FLL Forums are open and posters are gearing up for the SENIOR SOLUTIONS Challenge to be released on August 28^th, http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/forums . Have a programming question? Need advice on what to do in the pre-season?
Remember, this is not where official information is dispensed about the FLL program, but it’s a great way to connect with other inquiring minds.

–>Coach Calls

We had over 600 people join us for the first two (2) coach calls of the season. If you missed them listen to the recordings posted here: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresources#coach-calls

And make sure to pencil the dates for the upcoming calls in September and October.

*THIS EMAIL IS FROM FIRST LEGO LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS. BE SURE TO WATCH FOR EMAILS FROM YOUR LOCAL PARTNER.*

With High 5’s and Admiration,
FLL Team Support

Filed under: FIRST events, FIRST in the News, FIRST Resources, FLL, STEM news | Tagged: FIRST LEGO League, FLL, FLL Coach calls, FLL Forums, FLL resources, FLL Twitter, Senior Solutions | Leave a Comment »

FLL Update: Coach Call Aug 15 & Aug 20, Fun FLL Blog Posts, Forums

Posted on August 15, 2012 by tmw2010

–>Coach Calls –August 15^th (TONIGHT) and August 20^th (MONDAY)

Join the FIRST Senior Mentors and experts for the FLL coach calls for the SENIOR SOLUTIONS^SM season.
On Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 7pm ET on the “Where Do I Start” call, learn about the materials teams receive, important dates to know, when to sign up for tournaments, and get a general overview of what to expect.

On Monday, August 20, 2012 at 7pm ET on the “Coaching a Team” call, learn about team management, how to run team meetings, how to involve parents, and review some great ways to brainstorm.

Each call can hold 1000 participants, so make sure to join on time. There will be a Q&A after the speakers are done, so come prepared with questions.

Call in information and call outlines available: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresources#coach-calls

–>What’s Happening on the FLL Blog?

The FLL Core Values get “FLIPPED”, http://fllblog.wordpress.com/2012/08/13/the-core-values-get-flipped/

AND…

Some wild guesses to the missions for the SENIOR SOLUTIONS(R) Challenge,http://fllblog.wordpress.com/2012/07/25/mission-prediction-2012/.

–>Forums

The FLL Forums are open and posters are gearing up for the SENIOR SOLUTIONS^SM Challenge to be released on August 28th. Have a programming question? Need advice on what to do in the pre-season? Check out the http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/forums
Remember, this is not where official information is dispensed about the FLL program, but it’s a great way to connect with other inquiring minds.

*THIS EMAIL IS FROM FIRST LEGO LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS. BE SURE TO WATCH FOR EMAILS FROM YOUR LOCAL PARTNER.*

With High 5’s and Admiration,
FLL Team Support

Filed under: FIRST events, FIRST Resources, FLL | Tagged: Coach calls, FIRST LEGO League, FIRST resources, FLL, FLL Forums, Senior Solutions | Leave a Comment »

FLL Update: Challenge Mat, Pass It On, Forums

Posted on August 7, 2012 by tmw2010

–>Challenge Mat

As mentioned in a previous blast the Field Setup Kit is being shipped in one square box this year with the challenge mat folded. You will be required to unfold the mat and lay it flat to allow the material to relax along the fold lines. Hand smoothing occasionally is also required. It may take 2-3 days for wrinkles and creases to relax. If the folded creases are particularly stubborn, applying low heat to the BACK of the mat with a hair dryer while moving it along the fold lines for ~ one minute will help as well. Although it should not be necessary, taking an iron to the BACK of the mat will help. DO NOT apply heat to the printed side of the mat with an iron or hairdryer. Also, rolling the mat around a cardboard or plastic tube may also help alleviate any folds, wrinkles, or creases. Thanks for your attention to this matter.

–> Pass it on

Experienced coaches! Do you remember what your first year in FLL(R) was like? Did you wish you knew a veteran coach so you could ask for advice? Now you can turn a new team’s first year from a good experience into a great one! Sign up to advise a rookie coach by selecting “I am a Mentor/Experienced Coach” in TeamUp. Be the voice of experience for someone who really needs it. https://my.usfirst.org/FIRSTPortal/login/fc_login.aspx?s=fc

–> Forums

The FLL Forums are open and posters are gearing up for the SENIOR SOLUTIONS(SM) Challenge to be released on August 28^th. Have a programming question? Need advice on what to do in the pre-season? Check out the community-driven FLL forums, http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/forums.

Remember, this is not where official information is dispensed about the FLL program, but it’s a great way to connect with other inquiring minds.

*THIS EMAIL IS FROM FIRST LEGO LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS. BE SURE TO WATCH FOR EMAILS FROM YOUR LOCAL PARTNER.*

With High 5’s and Admiration,
FLL Team Support

Filed under: FLL, STEM news | Tagged: FIRST LEGO League, FLL, Senior Solutions, STEM education | Leave a Comment »

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FLL Update: Global Innovation, 2013 Build Instructions,New Video & Scholarship

FRCs Ultimate Ascent Puts all Four FIRST Programs Underway!

FLL Update: Payments Due, E-Watt Saver Fundraiser, Grants Available and More!

FLL Update: Registration Closing, FLL Parents, Event Participation & More!

FLL Update: Coach Call – Tonight, Participation Rules, Updates

Florida FLL Update: FL FLL Kick-Off and Upcoming Workshops

FLL Update: Coach Calls, IMPORTANT Updates – Robot Game, Registration & Forums

FLL Update: Challenge Release TOMORROW!, Registration Filling Up Fast!, Forums & Coach Calls

FLL Update: Coach Call Aug 15 & Aug 20, Fun FLL Blog Posts, Forums

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