The document introduces several FIRST robotics programs for students ages 6 to high school, including FIRST Lego League (FLL) for ages 9-14. FLL teams work on both a robotics challenge course using Lego robots and a research project addressing a real-world problem. The SWCS Robotics Club first meeting will be on September 8th to start an FLL team for the 2012 "Senior Solutions" challenge. FLL tournaments in December and January provide opportunities for teams to demonstrate their robot and present their project solution. Awards are given based on robot performance, project presentation, and demonstration of core values like teamwork. Annual costs for an FLL team are around $425-525 per team.

1. SWCS Robotics
Club
An Introduction to First Lego League

2. Programs from FIRST®
• FIRST = For Inspiration and Recognition of
Science and Technology
"To create a o Jr.FLL (Junior FIRST ® LEGO® League) 6-9 year-olds – initial
world where ORTOP pilot in 2006
science and
o FLL (FIRST ® LEGO® League) 9-14 year olds – started by ORTOP
technology
in 2001
are
celebrated.. o FTC (FIRST ® Tech Challenge) for high school students – initial
where ORTOP pilot in 2006
young o FRC (FIRST ® Robotics Competition) for high school students –
people not an ORTOP program but active in Oregon
dream of
becoming • ORTOP = Oregon Robotics Tournament &
science and Outreach Program
technology
o Organizes FLL tournaments
heroes"
o Oregon University System program
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3. First Lego League
• For 9-14 year-olds (as of Jan 1, 2012)
• Mini engineering problem based on real world
problems
o 2012: Senior Solutions
o 2011: Food Factor
o 2010: Body Forward
• Two main parts
o Robot game
• A series of technical challenges for a Lego NXT robot to complete
o Research project
• Propose a solution to a real world problem and present it

4. The FLL Team Experience
• Miniature engineering project team
stressing
o Creativity and teamwork
o Engineering principles: requirements,
alternatives, rapid prototyping, testing, …
• Hands-on problem solving
• Illustrates multiple roles: Designers,
Builders, Programmers, Sales and
Marketing
• Insights into possible careers
• Coaches& mentors offer advice but
The youngsters do the work
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5. Timeline
• August 28: Senior Solutions Challenge is released
• September 8: SWC Robotics Club first meeting
• September 22: commitment date
• September, October, November: Develop solutions
• Early December: Qualifying tournament
o ~25 tournaments, 15-20 teams each
o Total of ~450 teams, 3200 youngsters
• January: State tournament
o 2 tournaments, ~60 teams each

6. What Happens at
Tournaments
• Demonstrate robot on the Challenge playing
field – 3 opportunities
• Interaction with Robot Design Judging Panel
• Presentation to Project Judging Panel
o General presentation area specified by FLL to
enhance learning about the year’s theme
o Requires research by the team
o Develops presentation skills (the opportunity for
the developing sales and marketing youngsters)
• Core Values Judging Panel
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7. Tournament
Awards
• Number of awards depends on size of
tournament
• Highest level awards (the Champions Awards)
and invitations to Championship Tournaments
require good results in Robot Design, Project,
Core Values, and Robot Performance
• Other awards also recognize outstanding
performance in each of the 4 categories
• ORTOP Young Team and Rookie Team awards
are given at Championship Tournaments
• Participation awards for all teams
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8. FLL Team Costs
• Yearly Costs
o FLL Team Registration Fee: $225
o Oregon Qualifying Tournament Fee: $75
o Oregon Championship Tournament Fee: $50
o Field Setup Kit: $75
o Misc. including batteries, shipping: $50-$100
• Total: $425-$525
o Team member dues ~$50 each
• Due at commitment Sept 22.
o Fundraising and team sponsors may defray cost
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