The following schedule is TENTATIVE. I am verifying the locally controlled dates and will update as needed.
2009 FLL Schedule
May 4 Registration Opens
Mid-May Registration Materials and Robot Sets Begin to Ship
Aug Field Setup Kits Begin to Ship
Sep 3 International Challenge Release
Mid – Late Sep Team Registration Closes / Last Day to Order Products
Nov – Jan Tournament Season
April 2010 World Festival
* Team registrations will be accepted until all slots are filled.
This usually happens sometime after mid-September.
Please note that FLL materials (Robot Set and Field Setup Kit) must be ordered by this deadline, but are subject to product availability.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Student & Parent Recruitment Meetings
Several U City Robotics Teams will be holding parent information nights before the end of the year. Coaches, please post the dates, times and locations as a comment to this thread and indicate if the meeting is open or what grades and ages your team is targeting.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Celebration of Learning Tonight!!!!!!
Join us tonight at University City's Celebration of Learning in the Brittany Woods Middle Gym from 6-8 pm where U City Robotics will be making its grand debut!!! We will have displays and information from Flynn Park JFLL and Brittany Woods FLL. Flynn Park, Brittany, Jackson Park, Delmar Harvard, and U City High will have sign up sheets available for teams next year for students from 2nd grade to 12th grade. You will also be able to see live Robots in action as the Hazelwood Central Robohawks will bring their "FRC" and "FTC" robots.
According to Carol Ann Cole, the celebration began as a culmination for the end of MAP testing. Activities begin at 6 p.m. and includes about 30-40 tables of hands-on activities to show parents what students are learning in school, along with educational activities geared to interest PreK-12 students. Nikki Davenport coordinates this portion of the evening.
At 7 p.m. we begin the awards assembly in the same room... so people can still meander from table to table, but still hear the recognitions of the 40-60 Academic Improvement Award recipients, along with 4 special awardees this year.
According to Carol Ann Cole, the celebration began as a culmination for the end of MAP testing. Activities begin at 6 p.m. and includes about 30-40 tables of hands-on activities to show parents what students are learning in school, along with educational activities geared to interest PreK-12 students. Nikki Davenport coordinates this portion of the evening.
At 7 p.m. we begin the awards assembly in the same room... so people can still meander from table to table, but still hear the recognitions of the 40-60 Academic Improvement Award recipients, along with 4 special awardees this year.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
What is FIRST Robotics
Okay, so what is FIRST Robotics anyway? Below are some fast fun facts I pulled together for the U City School Board from http://www.usfirst.org.
FIRST Alphabet Soup
If you have not been around FIRST Robotics or any of its several competition levels, our ABC soup of FRC, FTC, FLL and JFLL can seem like gibberish. The following document compiled from resources found on www.usfirst.org is intended to explain the FIRST organization overall as well as provide an introduction to each competition level
Vision
"To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes." - Dean Kamen, Founder
Mission
Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
Our Founder
Dean Kamen is an inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology. His passion and determination to help young people discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology are the cornerstones of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).
FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.
FIRST FACTS
ü Founded 1989
ü Headquartered in Manchester, NH
ü 501(c)(3) public charity
ü FIRST Financial Information
Supporters
ü Over 85,000 volunteers make FIRST happen
ü FIRST is supported by a network of over 3,500 corporations, educational and professional institutions, and individuals
2009 FIRST Scholarship Program
ü Over $9 million in college scholarships
ü Over 600 individual scholarship opportunities
ü Over 120 scholarship providers
Programs
ü FRC - FIRST Robotics Competition for high-school students
ü FTC - FIRST Tech Challenge for high-school students
ü FLL - FIRST LEGO League for 9 to 14 year-olds
ü JFLL - Junior FIRST LEGO League for 6 to 9 year-olds
Overall Reach - All Programs Combined)
Over 196,000 students
17,589 teams
16,389 robots
53,000 mentors
32,000 event volunteers
What is FRC?
Full Title
First Robotics Competition
Age Range or Grades
Grades 9-12
# Students Per Team
Unlimited
Cost Range Per Team
$8,000 +
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a unique varsity sport of the mind designed to help high-school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the life of engineers and researchers can be.
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals.
FIRST redefines winning for these students because they are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.
What is unique about the FRC program?
It is a sport where the participants play with the pros and learn from them
Designing and building a robot is a fascinating real-world professional experience
Competing on stage brings participants as much excitement and adrenaline rush as conventional varsity tournaments
FRC QUICK FACTS
ü 1,684 teams
ü 42,100 high-school students
ü Teams from 48 states in the U.S., Brazil, Canada, Chile, Germany, Israel, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Turkey, and the U.K.
ü 40 Regional events in the U.S., Canada, and Israel; seven District competitions and one State Championship in Michigan
ü FIRST Robotics Competition Championship at the FIRST Championship in Atlanta, GA, April 16-18, 2009
ü Robots are built in 6 weeks from a common kit of parts provided by FIRST, and weigh up to 120 lbs. (excluding battery and bumpers)The game rules are a surprise every year
FTC QUICK FACTS
ü 1,000 teams (projected)
ü 10,000 high-school students
ü 40 Tournaments in Canada, Mexico, U.S.
ü FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship at the FIRST Championship in Atlanta, GA, April 16-18, 2009
ü Robots are built using a modular robotics platformWhat Is FTC?
Full Title
FIRST Tech Challenge
Age Range or Grades
Middle & High School
# Students Per Team
10
Cost Range Per Team
$1000-$1200
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a mid-level robotics competition for high-school students. It offers the traditional challenge of a FIRST Robotics Competition but with a more accessible and affordable robotics kit. The ultimate goal of FTC is to reach more young people with a lower-cost, more accessible opportunity to discover the excitement and rewards of science, technology, and engineering.
In 2005, FIRST and RadioShack teamed up to present the FIRST Vex Challenge (FVC) demonstration at the FIRST Championship in Atlanta, GA. The purpose of the FTC demonstration tournament was to stimulate and explore interest in FIRST Vex competitions. The event was an overwhelming success. FIRST began a full pilot of the program during the 2005-2006 FIRST season. After two years as a pilot program, the FIRST Board of Directors approved FTC as an official FIRST program, changing the name to FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) in 2007.
During the first official season, FTC grew to 799 teams and 31 official events, reaching about 8,000 students across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In 2008 a new kit of parts was developed and showcased at the FTC World Championship in Atlanta. The new kit is more powerful and has more options. It also allows for a smoother transition from FLL into FTC by using the same NXT controller FLL teams have been using for a number of seasons. FTC will use the new kit beginning in the 2008 season.
What is FLL?
Full Title
FIRST Lego League
Age Range or Grades
Age 9-14
# Students Per Team
10
Cost Range Per Team
$800 - $1000
FLL QUICK FACTS
ü 13,705 teams
ü 137,050 studens, ages 9 to 14
ü From 42 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China (Hong Kong), Colombia (Pilot), Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt , Faeroe Island, France, Germany , Greenland, Haiti (Pilot), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Palestine, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the U.S.
ü Over 450 Qualifying Events and 89 Championship Tournaments
ü FIRST LEGO League World Festival at the FIRST Championship in Atlanta, GA, April 16-18, 2008
ü Robots are built using LEGO MINDSTORMS technologies
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an exciting and fun global robotics program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, and technology in kids ages 9 to 14 (16 outside of the U.S. and Canada).
Each year FLL teams embark on an adventurous Challenge based on current, real-world issues. Guided by a team coach and assisted by mentors, the kids:
Research and solve a real-world problem based on the Challenge theme
Present their research and solutions
Build an autonomous robot using engineering concepts
Using the yearly Challenges, FLL:
Entices kids to think like scientists and engineers
Provides a fun, creative, hands-on learning experience
Teaches kids to experiment and overcome obstacles
Builds self-esteem and confidence
Inspires kids to participate in science and technology
No matter what the child’s subject interest, FLL offers an opportunity for engagement. Whether it is by creativity, technology, or research, FLL dares kids to test, explore, expand, or completely change thoughts and approaches for different sciences each year.
Climate Connections Challenge revealed! Plus, get a preview of the new FLL and Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL) social site (www.firstlegoleague.org) as you check out the Challenge FLL teams will storm this year.
What is Jr.FLL?
Full Title
Junior FIRST Lego League
Age Range or Grades
Age 6 - 9
# Students Per Team
6
Cost Range Per Team
$200 - $300
Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL) is an exciting opportunity for the youngest budding scientists. It encompasses the core concepts of all FIRST programs to inspire, excite, and introduce kids to the wonders of science, technology, and engineering.
Jr.FLL
Teaches the benefits of teamwork
Sparks initial interest in science and technology
Introduces basic design skills through a hands-on approach with the familiarity and fun of LEGO building
Provides a culture of sharing and learning from others
The goal of Jr.FLL is to provide an experience that will capture young children's inherent curiosity and creativity and direct it toward discovering the possibilities of improving the world around them through understanding, thought, planning, and technology
JFLL QUICK FACTS
ü 1,200 teams (projected)
ü 7,200 students, ages 6 to 9
ü 40 Jr.FLL Expos
ü U.S. and Canada
ü Kids design and construct a model using LEGO bricks and moving parts and present their research journey on a poster
FIRST Alphabet Soup
If you have not been around FIRST Robotics or any of its several competition levels, our ABC soup of FRC, FTC, FLL and JFLL can seem like gibberish. The following document compiled from resources found on www.usfirst.org is intended to explain the FIRST organization overall as well as provide an introduction to each competition level
Vision
"To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes." - Dean Kamen, Founder
Mission
Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
Our Founder
Dean Kamen is an inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology. His passion and determination to help young people discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology are the cornerstones of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).
FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.
FIRST FACTS
ü Founded 1989
ü Headquartered in Manchester, NH
ü 501(c)(3) public charity
ü FIRST Financial Information
Supporters
ü Over 85,000 volunteers make FIRST happen
ü FIRST is supported by a network of over 3,500 corporations, educational and professional institutions, and individuals
2009 FIRST Scholarship Program
ü Over $9 million in college scholarships
ü Over 600 individual scholarship opportunities
ü Over 120 scholarship providers
Programs
ü FRC - FIRST Robotics Competition for high-school students
ü FTC - FIRST Tech Challenge for high-school students
ü FLL - FIRST LEGO League for 9 to 14 year-olds
ü JFLL - Junior FIRST LEGO League for 6 to 9 year-olds
Overall Reach - All Programs Combined)
Over 196,000 students
17,589 teams
16,389 robots
53,000 mentors
32,000 event volunteers
What is FRC?
Full Title
First Robotics Competition
Age Range or Grades
Grades 9-12
# Students Per Team
Unlimited
Cost Range Per Team
$8,000 +
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a unique varsity sport of the mind designed to help high-school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the life of engineers and researchers can be.
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals.
FIRST redefines winning for these students because they are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.
What is unique about the FRC program?
It is a sport where the participants play with the pros and learn from them
Designing and building a robot is a fascinating real-world professional experience
Competing on stage brings participants as much excitement and adrenaline rush as conventional varsity tournaments
FRC QUICK FACTS
ü 1,684 teams
ü 42,100 high-school students
ü Teams from 48 states in the U.S., Brazil, Canada, Chile, Germany, Israel, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Turkey, and the U.K.
ü 40 Regional events in the U.S., Canada, and Israel; seven District competitions and one State Championship in Michigan
ü FIRST Robotics Competition Championship at the FIRST Championship in Atlanta, GA, April 16-18, 2009
ü Robots are built in 6 weeks from a common kit of parts provided by FIRST, and weigh up to 120 lbs. (excluding battery and bumpers)The game rules are a surprise every year
FTC QUICK FACTS
ü 1,000 teams (projected)
ü 10,000 high-school students
ü 40 Tournaments in Canada, Mexico, U.S.
ü FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship at the FIRST Championship in Atlanta, GA, April 16-18, 2009
ü Robots are built using a modular robotics platformWhat Is FTC?
Full Title
FIRST Tech Challenge
Age Range or Grades
Middle & High School
# Students Per Team
10
Cost Range Per Team
$1000-$1200
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a mid-level robotics competition for high-school students. It offers the traditional challenge of a FIRST Robotics Competition but with a more accessible and affordable robotics kit. The ultimate goal of FTC is to reach more young people with a lower-cost, more accessible opportunity to discover the excitement and rewards of science, technology, and engineering.
In 2005, FIRST and RadioShack teamed up to present the FIRST Vex Challenge (FVC) demonstration at the FIRST Championship in Atlanta, GA. The purpose of the FTC demonstration tournament was to stimulate and explore interest in FIRST Vex competitions. The event was an overwhelming success. FIRST began a full pilot of the program during the 2005-2006 FIRST season. After two years as a pilot program, the FIRST Board of Directors approved FTC as an official FIRST program, changing the name to FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) in 2007.
During the first official season, FTC grew to 799 teams and 31 official events, reaching about 8,000 students across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In 2008 a new kit of parts was developed and showcased at the FTC World Championship in Atlanta. The new kit is more powerful and has more options. It also allows for a smoother transition from FLL into FTC by using the same NXT controller FLL teams have been using for a number of seasons. FTC will use the new kit beginning in the 2008 season.
What is FLL?
Full Title
FIRST Lego League
Age Range or Grades
Age 9-14
# Students Per Team
10
Cost Range Per Team
$800 - $1000
FLL QUICK FACTS
ü 13,705 teams
ü 137,050 studens, ages 9 to 14
ü From 42 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China (Hong Kong), Colombia (Pilot), Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt , Faeroe Island, France, Germany , Greenland, Haiti (Pilot), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Palestine, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the U.S.
ü Over 450 Qualifying Events and 89 Championship Tournaments
ü FIRST LEGO League World Festival at the FIRST Championship in Atlanta, GA, April 16-18, 2008
ü Robots are built using LEGO MINDSTORMS technologies
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an exciting and fun global robotics program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, and technology in kids ages 9 to 14 (16 outside of the U.S. and Canada).
Each year FLL teams embark on an adventurous Challenge based on current, real-world issues. Guided by a team coach and assisted by mentors, the kids:
Research and solve a real-world problem based on the Challenge theme
Present their research and solutions
Build an autonomous robot using engineering concepts
Using the yearly Challenges, FLL:
Entices kids to think like scientists and engineers
Provides a fun, creative, hands-on learning experience
Teaches kids to experiment and overcome obstacles
Builds self-esteem and confidence
Inspires kids to participate in science and technology
No matter what the child’s subject interest, FLL offers an opportunity for engagement. Whether it is by creativity, technology, or research, FLL dares kids to test, explore, expand, or completely change thoughts and approaches for different sciences each year.
Climate Connections Challenge revealed! Plus, get a preview of the new FLL and Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL) social site (www.firstlegoleague.org) as you check out the Challenge FLL teams will storm this year.
What is Jr.FLL?
Full Title
Junior FIRST Lego League
Age Range or Grades
Age 6 - 9
# Students Per Team
6
Cost Range Per Team
$200 - $300
Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL) is an exciting opportunity for the youngest budding scientists. It encompasses the core concepts of all FIRST programs to inspire, excite, and introduce kids to the wonders of science, technology, and engineering.
Jr.FLL
Teaches the benefits of teamwork
Sparks initial interest in science and technology
Introduces basic design skills through a hands-on approach with the familiarity and fun of LEGO building
Provides a culture of sharing and learning from others
The goal of Jr.FLL is to provide an experience that will capture young children's inherent curiosity and creativity and direct it toward discovering the possibilities of improving the world around them through understanding, thought, planning, and technology
JFLL QUICK FACTS
ü 1,200 teams (projected)
ü 7,200 students, ages 6 to 9
ü 40 Jr.FLL Expos
ü U.S. and Canada
ü Kids design and construct a model using LEGO bricks and moving parts and present their research journey on a poster
Friday, May 1, 2009
U City Robotics is Online!!!!!
Greetings to all!!! This is not only my first blog post to U City Robotics but it is my first Blog!!!
The purpose of this blog is to provide updates to coaches, parents, school district board members and administration, potential sponsors and our partners with FIRST on robotics activities in University City MO.
What is U City Robotics? In my next post I will include more details but we intend to be the umbrella organization and liaison between robotics teams and FIRST Robotics St. Louis.
What is FIRST Robotics? while more information can be found at http://www.usfirst.org/; FIRST Robotics is a competitive science/sports competition that offers hands on learning opportunities for students ages 6-18 (grades 1-12
Before I move on I must issue thanks to some special people:
Above all my husband Abe for letting me be me!!!
My children for enduring meeting after meeting!!!
Kathy Reuter and Susie Mathieu for their support and encouragement over the many years we have been working to get Robotics in University City.
DeAun Blumberg, principal of Flynn Park Elementary, for her unbridled support of JFLL the last two years!
Barry Williams and Dave Sarber for their courage to begin a FLL team at Brittany Woods Middle
Chauna Williams, Nikki Davenport, Chris Blumenhorst (Mr. B) and JoyLynn Wilson for meeting over the last few months to get Robotics started at the high school.
The parents and students of Team Energy 5000 and Non Energy Negative 5000!!!!!!
and finally to next year's parent volunteers!
Chris Tabourne (Flynn Park)
Andrea Amend (Flynn Park)
Kristin Palmquist (Flynn Park)
Celina McGinnis (Delmar Harvard)
Kim Dietzler (Jackson Park)
Dave Sarber (U City High)
We also have teachers lined up at U City High< Brittany Middle, and Barbara C Jordan to work with this effort!!!!
To find out more about U City Robotics and to see actual Robots in action please visit U City's Celebration of Learning to be held at Brittany Woods Middle on May 6 from 6-8pm!!
All the best, Nicole Reed Hutcherson Adewale Proud Alumni of U City High!!!!!
The purpose of this blog is to provide updates to coaches, parents, school district board members and administration, potential sponsors and our partners with FIRST on robotics activities in University City MO.
What is U City Robotics? In my next post I will include more details but we intend to be the umbrella organization and liaison between robotics teams and FIRST Robotics St. Louis.
What is FIRST Robotics? while more information can be found at http://www.usfirst.org/; FIRST Robotics is a competitive science/sports competition that offers hands on learning opportunities for students ages 6-18 (grades 1-12
Before I move on I must issue thanks to some special people:
Above all my husband Abe for letting me be me!!!
My children for enduring meeting after meeting!!!
Kathy Reuter and Susie Mathieu for their support and encouragement over the many years we have been working to get Robotics in University City.
DeAun Blumberg, principal of Flynn Park Elementary, for her unbridled support of JFLL the last two years!
Barry Williams and Dave Sarber for their courage to begin a FLL team at Brittany Woods Middle
Chauna Williams, Nikki Davenport, Chris Blumenhorst (Mr. B) and JoyLynn Wilson for meeting over the last few months to get Robotics started at the high school.
The parents and students of Team Energy 5000 and Non Energy Negative 5000!!!!!!
and finally to next year's parent volunteers!
Chris Tabourne (Flynn Park)
Andrea Amend (Flynn Park)
Kristin Palmquist (Flynn Park)
Celina McGinnis (Delmar Harvard)
Kim Dietzler (Jackson Park)
Dave Sarber (U City High)
We also have teachers lined up at U City High< Brittany Middle, and Barbara C Jordan to work with this effort!!!!
To find out more about U City Robotics and to see actual Robots in action please visit U City's Celebration of Learning to be held at Brittany Woods Middle on May 6 from 6-8pm!!
All the best, Nicole Reed Hutcherson Adewale Proud Alumni of U City High!!!!!
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