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Robot Building

Make sure you have a very sturdy base for your robot.  Madision

Do the tutorials before you build your first robot so that you know the basics of how to build and program.    TaylorAnne

Always cross brace the robot.  Haena

When attaching bars always connect with two points.  Haena

Practice a lot before tournaments. practice, practice, practice  -Madison


Keep calm and build with Lego's - Team 409

Research

Try to incorporate field trips as a part of your research.  Visit professionals in their office, go to universities, make a day of it and have fun together.   Team 409

Remember to track all resources
Olivia

Good research resources are from (.org, .edu, .gov,) University sites, or direct contact with professionals.   Team 409


 Remember to always be safe on the Internet and always have your parents involved if you are contacting a professional on your own. Copy your parents and or coach on emails sent.  
Team 409

Core Values

Hang out a lot with your teammates.
Haena


"Goodness without knowledge... is weak and feeble, yet knowledge without goodness is dangerous.... Both united form the noblest character and lay the surest foundation of usefulness to mankind." -- John Phillips
submitted by Haena

If I have seen further than others it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants.  Sir Isaac Newton -submitted by Mr. Smalley


"We like winning awards however we believe the most important award is what we learn".                       -Team 8496

As a team member you have a responsibility to attend meetings, participate and finish homework.  Haena

Competitions and Competition Rounds

Stay focused and calm.  Block out what other teams or kids might say to you.  Madison

Remember your FIRST consent forms one for each team member, coach and mentors.


Always read the rubric before starting your presentations
Haena

Work hard during the season so things will be easy before a competition.
Olivia

Remember to be gracious to everyone, coaches, team members and judges and referees.  -Team 409


Remember to stay calm, do your best, and dance with everyone.  Team 409

First publishes a "Coaches' Handbook" for each challenge year.  The handbook includes discriptions of all 3 aspects of the FLL Challenge, robot, core values and research.  It also includes hints for rookie teams, explanation of the FIRST philosophy, etiquette for tournaments and judging definitions.  A definite read for coaches, mentors and interested family.   

Inspirational Quotes: (quotes taken from brainyquotes.com)

I think an education is not only important, it is the most important thing you can do with your life.
Dean Kamen 


I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse. –Florence Nightingale



All adventures, especially into new territory, are scary.
Sally Ride 


We become what we think about. –Earl Nightingale


A goal is a dream with a deadline.
Napoleon Hill

"Champions keep playing until they get it right?" Billy Jean King

"You can't achieve true greatness without getting your hands dirty. " Olivia

"Champions aren't made in the gym.  Champions are made from something they have deep inside them-a desire, a dream, a vision".   Muhammad Ali


There are so many pressures that are put upon young women. Whatever we can do to alleviate that and help women feel beautiful about who we are inside, which is the only beauty there truly is, is so nice. Let's get down and dirty. Let's be a real girl.   Drew Barrymore


I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'
Muhammad Ali