Fondy Lego Robotics

Coaches:

--> Food Factor® ResourcesThe National Center for Food Protection and Defense has created a page on their site specifically for FLL® teams, http://www.ncfpd.umn.edu/index.cfm/food-factor/. They will be posting podcasts and blog entries on food safety related topics. Check it out!Did you know... the NCFPD is also the newest sponsor for the FLL Global Innovation Award (http://fllinnovationaward.firstlegoleague.org)

--> Cooking Question?Some teams have asked us whether or not teams could do a cooking demonstration for their presentation. Please check directly with your tournament organizer on this. Different facilities have different rules.

--> FLL Global Innovation AwardStill unsure what the FLL Global Innovation Award is and how it connects to FLL? Watch the short video created from footage of the inaugural Body Forward® season, http://fllinnovationaward.firstlegoleague.org/past-innovatorsRemember! Submission entry /voting opens in January so start preparing your Project!

--> Challenge UpdatesWe hope that all teams are up-to-date on the Robot Game Updates, Project FAQ, and Judging FAQ. You can get a quick refresh here: Robot Game Updates: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/robotgameupdatesProject FAQ: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/projectfaqJudging FAQ: http://firstlegoleague.org/event/judgingfaq

--> FLL World FestivalThe list of regions invited to send a team to World Festival has been posted on the World Festival page, http://firstlegoleague.org/worldfestival

--> Tell us what you think…Take the latest FLL poll on http://firstlegoleague.org. Simply click on the “Have you taken our poll?” icon.

*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) | [email protected] | +1 603-666-3906 x0, +1 800-871-8326 x0 | FIRST(R) (http://usfirst.org) - 200 Bedford Street – Manchester NH USA 03101

Coaches:

-->Questions about Judging? (GLOBAL)

Don’t forget! FLL has a judging FAQ: http://firstlegoleague.org/event/judgingfaq --> Important New Project FAQ (GLOBAL)The Project FAQ (http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/foodfactorproject)has been updated to include new questions and answers, including: Q: Is it ok to use a weapon (toy gun, knife, etc.) in our Project presentation if it is involved in the journey of our food or if we are planning a cooking demonstration?A: Please do not bring weapons (even toy ones) to an FLL event. If your team feels that this is an important part of your Project presentation, please create something two (2) dimensional on a piece of cardboard or paper so that it could not be mistaken accidentally for the real thing. Food should probably be prepared before arriving, but if your tournament allows preparing food on site please only use plastic utensils in your presentation. It is important to FLL that everyone feel safe and welcome at FLL events, so please help us by not bringing anything that looks like a real weapon to a tournament or event.

-->Why a Project in a Robotics Competition? (GLOBAL)

Have you heard this question from parents/teachers/funders…..Check out the official word from FLL on why having a Project is a great idea! http://firstlegoleague.org/sites/default/files/Challenge/Why_a_Project_in_a_Robotics_Competition.pdfIt’s also posted throughout firstlegoleague.org in case you need to reference it throughout the season.

-->Need a coaching refresh? (GLOBAL)All of the coach call recordings are posted online here: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresources

-->Challenge Reminders (GLOBAL)Robot Game Updates: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/robotgameupdatesProject FAQ: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/foodfactorproject

-->FLL Global Innovation Award (GLOBAL)Does your team have an incredibly awesome Food Factor Project and want to take it to the next level?! Of course it does!FLL is proud to announce the second year of the FLL Global Innovation Award. Check out the website, http://fllinnovationaward.firstlegoleague.org, for information about our new sponsors, updated FAQs, and updates on our past winners.

*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) | [email protected] | +1 603-666-3906 x0, +1 800-871-8326 x0 | FIRST(R) (http://usfirst.org) - 200 Bedford Street – Manchester NH USA 03101

Coaches:

--> Is your team designing the next great food safety invention?

Get ready to take your FLL Project to the next level with the FLL(R) Global Innovation Award, now in its second year.

Don’t know what the FLL Global Innovation Award is? Check out http://fllinnovationaward.firstlegoleague.org/ to learn more. Read about last years’ winners and what your team can do to prepare for this year. Submission entry and voting will begin in January 2012, so stay tuned. Remember, any questions can be sent to [email protected]

* The FLL Global Innovation Award is optional and in no way affects the judging outcome of official FLL Qualifiers or Championships.*

--> Team Fundraising Idea: FIRST(R) Green e-watt Saver Program

FIRST announces two new second generation e-watt saver bulbs to support team fundraising. Since January teams have sold nearly 50,000 bulbs and raised over $650,000.

Bulbs should be available to place orders during the week of October 31st. Team pricing is $7.50 for the 450 lumen bulb and $17 for the 800 lumen bulb. Suggested retail prices are competitive with big box stores: $15 for the 450 lumen bulb and $26 for the 800 lumen bulb. Detailed information about the new bulbs is now available on the team resources page at www.usfirst.org/e-wattresources

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) | [email protected] | +1 603-666-3906 x0, +1 800-871-8326 x0 | FIRST(R) (http://usfirst.org) - 200 Bedford Street – Manchester NH USA 03101

Coaches:

-->What does an FLL event look like? On Thursday, October 20 at 7pm ET Senior Mentors will be hosting “Preparing for an FLL Event” coach call. Review the outline here: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresourcesCall In Phone Number: 1-866-951-1151Conference Room: 9533018Each call can hold up to 1000 callers

--> Missed a Coach Call?Interested in the Robot Game, the Project, Judging, or another FLL-related topic? Recordings of ALL calls are posted http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresources

--> FLL Impact – Inspiring QuotesSee your teams’ quote in a future FIRST(R) publication! Tell us what has been the greatest impact FLL has had on your team. Email us at [email protected] with the subject “FLL – Impact”.

-->Team StoriesFIRST needs your help! We know our teams are awesome, amazing, and inspiring but we also know there are bumps along the way. FIRST wants to hear team stories about failure. What does it mean to your team? What happens when you encounter it? What role does failure play in FLL? Email us at [email protected] and tell us. Please put “FLL – Team Story” in the subject line.

-->What am I going to do with all this Food Safety knowledge?Check out the starter list of possible food safety career paths on the Food Factor Resource page: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/foodfactorresources -->Challenge Updates and RemindersWe will be posting updates to Robot Game rules on the Robot Game Updates page: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/robotgameupdatesThere have been 26 updates as of October 18th.Other important pages:Project FAQ: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/foodfactorprojectJudging FAQ: http://firstlegoleague.org/event/judging 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) | [email protected] | +1 603-666-3906 x0, +1 800-871-8326 x0 | FIRST(R) (http://usfirst.org) - 200 Bedford Street – Manchester NH USA 03101

Coaches:

--> Judging Coach CallOn Thursday, October 13 at 7pm ET, FIRST(R) Senior Mentors will be hosting “Judging: A Perspective for the Coach”. Review the outline here: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresourcesCall In Phone Number: 1-866-951-1151Conference Room: 7052714Each call can hold up to 1000 callers

--> Food Safety Experts from the American Culinary FederationCheck out the list of food safety experts who are ready and willing to lend a hand to FLL(R) teams…http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/foodfactorresources

--> Join the ConversationFLL has an awesome community of forum members who are posting on everything from Robot Game strategy to how to best approach the Project. Check out the discussions and see what others are talking about here: http://forums.usfirst.org/forumdisplay.php?f=24Remember – The FLL forum is not a source for OFFICIAL answers. For official information about the Challenge please go to http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/2011foodfactor.

 --> Project Ave. If you subscribe to the FLL blog, you may have notice that our correspondent, Heidi Buck, has created a number of insightful Project videos for the series, “Project Ave.”. Check all 4 episodes out here: http://www.youtube.com/FLLProjectAvenueWith 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) | [email protected] | +1 603-666-3906 x0, +1 800-871-8326 x0 | FIRST(R) (http://usfirst.org) - 200 Bedford Street – Manchester NH USA 03101

Coaches:

Thank you… (US/CAN TEAMS)…to all the coaches of the 2011 Food Factor(R) season. Thank you for dedicating your valuable time to mentor an FLL(R) team. Because of your commitment to the kids and the program, FLL is pleased to boast a successful registration period. (Final numbers are still being calculated.)We thought you would also be pleased to know that Junior FIRST(R) LEGO(R) League (Jr.FLL(R)) registration is currently up over 40% from last season. Go teams!

How Can I Apply to a Tournament? (US/CAN TEAMS)Tournament application dates vary from region to region and event to event. Many regions use the Team Registration & Events System (https://gofll.usfirst.org/) for tournament application, but some regions use their own system. If you are unsure which method your region is using please contact the Operational Partner. Who is the Operational Partner in my region? Find out here: http://usfirst.org/regional-contacts

Rubrics and Awards (GLOBAL)Has your team checked out the newly simplified rubrics and awards? Make sure you download them here: http://firstlegoleague.org/event/judgingRemember, teams must participate in all elements of an FLL competition, including the Robot Game and all three judged areas, in order to be eligible for any FLL Core Award.

Subscribe Today! (GLOBAL)We hope your team is reading the FLL blog, http://fllblog.wordpress.com. We’ve got some great posts on food safety and you’ll want to check out the RSS feeds for the USDA and Food Safety News.

Polls (GLOBAL)Let us know what your team is up to this season. Take the FLL polls on firstlegoleague.org (in blue ribbon on main page). You’ll see a new poll posted each week so check back often.

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) | [email protected] | +1 603-666-3906 x0, +1 800-871-8326 x0 | FIRST(R) (http://usfirst.org) - 200 Bedford Street – Manchester NH USA 03101

Coaches:

-->Almost there…As FLL reaches the official team goal for Food Factor(R), team registration will be closing sometime on September 30th. Remind your friends, family, schools, and neighborhood groups to register and order their Field Setup Kids TODAY at: http://gofll.usfirst.org

-->How Do I Pay?Teams in the United States: Remember… payment needs to be made out to LEGO(R) Education, not FIRST(R) LEGO(R) League. Mailing address and general information can be found here: https://gofll.usfirst.org/pages/payment_information_and_optionsAlso, all payments must be received no later than October 15, 2011.

-->Robot Game Updates and Project FAQ

Along with reading the Robot Game Field Setup, Rules, and Missions, all teams need to be up-to-date on the Robot Game Updates. There have been 23 posted so far. Find them here: http://www.firstlegoleague.org/challenge/robotgameupdatesQuestions on the Project? Check out what other teams have been asking on the Project FAQ: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/projectfaq

-->Lights, Camera, ACTION!

Robot Game designer and Engineer, Scott Evans, describes the Food Factor Robot Game in this video produced by FLL (scroll down to the bottom of the page to view on YouTube or download): http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/foodfactorrobotgameREMEMBER: This video is **NOT** a substitute for reading the written Rules and Missions. Always refer to the published documents on firstlegoleague.org for any questions.

-->Pop Quiz!

Let us know what your team is up to this season. Take the FLL polls on firstlegoleague.org (in blue ribbon on main page). You’ll see a new poll posted each week so check back often. 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) | [email protected] | +1 603-666-3906 x0, +1 800-871-8326 x0 | FIRST(R) (http://usfirst.org) - 200 Bedford Street – Manchester NH USA 03101

Coaches:

-->3, 2, 1 ……. Count Down!!!!FLL(R) registrations are coming in fast and furious. If you know someone who hasn’t registered yet, or you want to start a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th!) team we *strongly* encourage you to go to http://gofll.usfirst.org and register today.

-->Missing parts in the Field Setup kit or need replacement parts?

Go to www.LEGO.com and click on Customer Service at the bottom of the screen. Follow the instruction online. After typing the 4-digit item number of the Field Setup kit (e.g. 9697) you will get a list of all the LEGO(R) elements in the set. Select the pieces you are missing from the list on-screen.

-->Core Values Coach CallOn Wednesday, September 21 at 7pm ET, FIRST(R) Senior Mentors will be hosting “Core Values/Teamwork” call for the season. Dial in to get some great tips on how to incorporate the Core Values into your team’s daily activities. Review the outline here: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresources

Call In Phone Number: 1-866-951-1151Conference Room: 7052714Each call can hold up to 1000 callers

-->Hosting a Community Event?We’ve just posted a newly updated Community Event Guide. Learn about what it takes to run an event and tap into some of your local resources. http://usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/fll/unofficial-local-event

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) | [email protected] | +1 603-666-3906 x0, +1 800-871-8326 x0 | FIRST(R) (http://usfirst.org) - 200 Bedford Street – Manchester NH USA 03101

Coaches: We’ve got lots to share this week!

-->Project Coach CallOn Monday, September 19 at 7pm ET, FIRST(R) Senior Mentors will be hosting “The Project” coach call for the season. Review the outline here: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresourcesCall In Phone Number: 1-866-951-1151Conference Room: 7052714Each call can hold up to 1000 callers

-->What are these for!?Have questions on the materials that were included with FLL(R) registration, the robot set, and Field Set Up kit? Check out these informative videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/FLLGlobal#p/c/B36914F7C777D818

-->Score!Score your robot run using the official FLL referee score sheet. Found here: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/foodfactorrobotgame

-->Keep Updated!Make sure your team checks the Robot Game Updates and Project FAQ pages: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/robotgameupdates and http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/projectfaqTip: Assign a team member or two to keep on top of these updates. The recording for the Robot Game coach call has been posted on the Team Resources page. Check it out!

-->Official vs. Unofficial Many teams and community members have posted their own Challenge videos on YouTube and uploaded scoring apps in marketplaces. While we think it is awesome that teams are creating these for the community, the *official* source of FLL Challenge information can be found only on the firstlegoleague.org website.

-->Questions on FLL Materials, Orders, or Who to Contact?Review page 96 in your Coaches’ Handbook. It may answer some of your questions.

-->Stumped on where to start with the Project?Check out the FLL blog. Our incredible correspondent, Heidi Buck, has started posting a series of videos called Project Avenue. http://fllblog.wordpress.com/

-->Quick Poll: Challenge prioritiesAnswer here: http://www.firstlegoleague.org/challenge/2011foodfactor 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) | [email protected] | +1 603-666-3906 x0, +1 800-871-8326 x0 | FIRST(R) (http://usfirst.org) - 200 Bedford Street – Manchester NH USA 03101

Coaches:

-->Food Factor (R) Challenge is LIVE!Almost 14,000 unique visitors found their way to firstlegoleague.org on Challenge Release Day (September 2nd). Were you one of them? Check here for all the Challenge info: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/2011foodfactor

-->Challenge Updates and RemindersWe will be posting updates to Robot Game rules on the Robot Game Updates page: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/robotgameupdates

Be sure to check here often. There have 11 updates as of September 9th. Remember, if you have Robot Game questions the first place to check is the Robot Game Field Setup, Mission, and Rules document, then the Robot Game Updates, and finally, if you can’t find your answer, email [email protected] Other important pages: Project FAQ: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/foodfactorprojectJudging FAQ: http://firstlegoleague.org/event/judging

--> Robot Game Coach CallOn Monday, September 12 at 7pm ET, FIRST(R) Senior Mentors will be hosting the 4th coach call of the season, “The Robot Game”. You can find the outline here: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresources

Call In Phone Number: 1-866-951-1151Conference Room: 7052714Each call can hold up to 1000 callers

-->In case you missed it…The recording for “Programming Tips” coach call is now posted: http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresources. Review what you’ve learned or listen for the first time! -->Are you a “Taker-Aparter”? Do you have a knack for dissembling and rebuilding things? For example, we’ve heard of a person taking apart an old computer monitor and turning it into a functioning fish tank! FIRST wants to know: What have you taken apart and rebuilt? Know of any cool things to make with an old cell phone? How ‘bout a VCR or a remote control car? Your submissions may be featured in the FIRST Newsletter or in other capacities in the coming months. Join the conversation! Share your stories with us at [email protected] by Wednesday, September 14th. Please include a photo of your cool creation, and if you have a team photo, send that along, too! 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) | [email protected] | +1 603-666-3906 x0, +1 800-871-8326 x0 | FIRST(R) (http://usfirst.org) - 200 Bedford Street – Manchester NH USA 03101