Robot: In the Robot portion of the FLL Challenge, there are two parts of this section. The first is the robot operation rounds and the second is a 5 minute robot design presentation. Teams are required to design,build, and program an autonomous robot that can perform as many missions as possible to maximize points. However, they must complete as many of these missions within two-and-a-half minutes.
There are several kits we can use to build a robot. The first one is the RCX kit. This was the intial kit used from the inception of the FLL program in 1998. The RCX is still usable in competition however few teams to none are using them. In 2009, the NXT model was launched, giving FLL teams a choice whether to continue using the RCX, or use the new NXT model. At the end of 2015 the NXT will be discontinued from Lego. Leaving the EV3 model as the viable choice. The EV3 model was introduced as a possible third choice in 2013.
At a competition the team is expected to make a five-minute presentation describing all of these facets. In this presentation, the robot is judged on the mechanical design, programming, strategy for executing the missions, and innovation.
Research Project: In the research part of the FLL Challenge, each team must identify a problem having to do with the year’s theme. After researching various topics related to the theme, the team will identify a particular problem that they will then develop an innovative solution for. For competition purposes the members of the team develop a five-minute presentation describing the problem that was identified, how their solution works, and the cost regarding the solution, if it can be implemented.
Each year we would start off our research project by having each team member research a subject that was interesting and related to the season theme. Then, we would brainstorm on all of the ideas and decide on the most viable topic together. Sometimes, we find that the first topic chosen cannot be pursued due to some circumstances. When this happens, we abandon that topic and pursue a new one.
FLL Core Values are a collection of values that set the FLL program apart from many team sports. These core values are the fundamental spirit of the FIRST program. These values support friendly competition, helping others, teamwork and learning.
FLL Core Values We are a team We do the work to find solutions with guidance from our coach and mentors We know our coaches and mentors don't have all the answers, we lern together We honor the spirit of friendly competition What we discover is more important than what we win We share our experience with others. We display Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition in everything we do We have fun
Gracious Professionalism is a term coined by Dr. Woodie Flowers, a FIRST National Adviser. It is a value that encourages treating others with respect balancing being tough competitors with respectful competition. A gracious professional is someone who has integrity, works hard, respects others, is sensitive and competes respectfully.
Coopertition a part of Gracious Professionalism blends fierce competition and respect together. It is the belief that at all times kindness and compassion be practiced during competition. Our team represents this through our name Heat it up and Keep it Cool. We fire it up during tournaments (Heat it Up), but also help others and treat them with respect (Keep it Cool).
First Lego League (FLL) is the FIRST program for kids ages 9 years to 14 years of age in the United States. The FLL program has three components, Robot, Research project and Core Values. Each year a new challenge theme is picked and announced in December. This theme is what teams will research for their project and robot missions will be designed with that theme in mind. Robot missions are announced and explained in late August when the competition season starts.
