|
A Note about Printing Elements at Fedex/Kinkos or
Similar Stores:
Some stores have refused to print our documents based on corporate
copyright policy. However, the documents below do not fall under the policy. Got
to the
FLL Legal Notices Page (http://www.usfirst.org/aboutus/legal-notices
) and print out the PDF Titled: "Policy on the Use of FIRST Trademarks and
Copyrighted Materials." See section II points 1 and 2
II. WHO May Use These Trademarks and Copyrighted Materials
[...]
1. Currently registered FIRST teams and FIRST participants may use the
FIRST and the Joint FIRST and LEGO Trademarks (word marks and logos), and
the LEGO word marks, in a way that relates to their FIRST team names and
activities (e.g. the “FRC® Wonderbots” or the “FLL® Rocket Kids.” They do
not have to obtain advance permission, use Disclaimers, or provide advance
notice to FIRST.
2. Registered FIRST teams or FIRST participants (i.e., non-profit
entities) may use the FIRST and the Joint FIRST and LEGO Trademarks (word
marks, not the logos) and the LEGO word marks, and Copyrighted Material to
conduct activities related to a FIRST program (e.g., an FRC team teaching
skills to an FLL or Jr.FLL team) as long as they use the revenue to
underwrite their cost of participation in FIRST programs and use the
Disclaimers. They do not have to obtain advance permission or provide
advance notice to FIRST, but as noted, they are not permitted to use the
logos.
|
|
|
A Note about Acrobat Files for MAC/LINUX
Users:
The files below are in Acrobat 8 format for high quality reproduction.
If you are on an older Mac or Linux system you may have problems opening them.
Sometimes the MAC native PDF viewer does not show complex PDFs correctly. You
should install the actual ACROBAT READER to view them.
You can download the latest Acrobat Reader from Adobe at
http://www.adobe.com.
However, Acrobat Reader 8&9 is not available for all platforms. |
|
|
A Note about Downloading Files:
It is always preferable to use the HTTP download method rather than
just clicking on a file link. All you need to do is right-click on a link (on
most computers) or click and hold on older Mac and choose the 'save as...'
option. Depending on your browser this will read: "Save Target As..." or "Save
Link As..." or "Save File As..." You can then save the file to your desktop or
other location for use instead of opening it directly into your browser. |
|
|
US FIRST RESOURCES: READ EVERYTHING AT THE
CHALLENGE PAGES. DON'T SKIP ONE DOCUMENT. Main FLL
Site: http://firstlegoleague.org
Food Factor Challenge:
http://www.firstlegoleague.org/challenge/2011foodfactor
|
|
Practice
Scoring Sheet for Strategic Purposes
(minor updates 9/12/2011 at 7a ET to EN and NL Versions)
ALERT:
400 Point Barrier Gone! As you'll see you can score up to 452 points (we think).
We assume this to end the 400 that so many of the most innovative teams hit
every year. So who's up for breaking the ceiling this year?
It is essential that you start early in your work to try timed and scored
runs. Even if you only have a few missions done you should still practice them.
You have 150 seconds to complete the missions and work towards the new max point standard.
Remember, these are not official scoring sheets so please always always
always check the game rulings at the FIRST LEGO League site.
Response from Scott Evans about the farm animals:
TechBrick: What are the Farm Animals For? Are they for fun?
Orphaned mission?
Scott: Hi Marco. They’re just for cuteness. See ya. Scott |
DOWNLOAD
JUST DESCRIPTIONS:
ENGLISH:
FLL2011-FoodFactor-ScoringSheet-EN.pdf
DUTCH:
FLL2011-FoodFactor-ScoringSheet-NL.pdf
WITH MAX SCORES
ENGLISH:
FLL2011-FoodFactor-ScoringSheetWithMax-EN.pdf
DUTCH:
FLL2011-FoodFactor-ScoringSheetWithMax-NL.pdf
International Versions are Coming Online
Want to translate this? Looking translators for any language. Please
contact me at
marco@techbrick.com
and I will forward you a MS Word version for direct translation.
|
 With
Max Scores Included for Reference
thanks to
http://geniusrobotics.com. Note that thought the max scores are already
widely available on the forums, we suggest you make your team figure this out
before showing them this version. |
|
|
An Online Scoring System from Jay Francis
Jay has developed an online scoring page that is easy to use and features a
count down and count up timer. Why count up? In your early work you want to run
you missions without regard to time. Then you can hone them in.
Check it out at this link:
http://jayfrancis.webfactional.com/fllscoring2011/
|
 |
|
|
Cougar Workshop Advanced
Programming Workshop The Cougars have produced a number of award
winning teams. This link is to their advance programming workshop. Great tips
and suggestions.
Check it out...
Click here for the advanced programming page.
|
 |
|
|
NEW: First Excel Scoring Sheet from the Girl
Scouts of the Jersey Shore First Lego League Team #3210: Electro Llamas.
http://gsjsrobotics.wordpress.com
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SPREADSHEET
|
 |
|
|
MUST
WATCH VIDEO FROM "Hands On Technology" as they outline the entire game.
http://www.hands-on-technology.de/
VIDEO NOW LIVE: Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvdTbTf4G0k
This is incredibly well done in hi-def with good lighting. |
 |
|
|
Mission Quiz Worksheet: Great Questions to Get
Your Team Cooking on the Challenge... Debbie, 6
year veteran FLL mentor and 2x worlds project judge has prepared a great sheet
to get your kids cookin' up great ideas as they prepare for the challenge.
FLL2011-FoodFactor-SetupandMissionQuiz.pdf
|
 |
|
|
Very High Resolution Version
of the Food Factor Logo Looking for a really high resolutions
version of the FF logo? The PNG below is 20" wide at 300dpi. It can be resized
easily.
We've also included a zip file with source Photoshop (PSD), Illustrator
(AI) and EPS files.
FFLogoHighRes.png
FFLogoHighRes.zip
* Contains a Photoshop, Illustrator, and EPS version.
|
 |
|
Food Factor
Images For Your Own Worksheets, Posters, and Clothing
UPDATED WITH RATSWe
extracted the table element images from the PDFs in various formats.
- PNG files below contain a high and low res version.
- All graphics are RGB format and compatible with Word, PPT, and Web
applications.
- PNGs have a transparent background.
- You can also download a layered Photoshop files if you want to advanced
graphic work.
- Some of the elements have been further broken down for fun.
Send us back samples of your creative work and we may post them.
DOWNLOADS IMAGES
- PNG Files
- Photoshop File Layered with all elements
BUILD INSTRUCTIONS: The build
instructions are on the CD that came with your kit. But you can't find them here
they are.
Right click and choose 'Save Target or Link As..." to save to your
local computer. |
 |
|
|
Worksheet for the "FOOD
FACTOR" Challenge Table
Use these to plan your missions and programming.
- Scaled 1" to 1' or Metric
- Versions in US Letter or UK/EU A4 paper.
- PDF contains three pages with full color, screened color, and grayscale
images
- Images are sharp (created from source art)
DOWNLOADS
Right click and choose 'Save Target or Link As..." to save to your local
computer.
- Blank Field (no elements)
- Field With Elements
|
 |
|
11x17 Field Worksheet
for Strategy
This is a press-ready PDF in 11 x 17 intended for use as a planning
tool with dry markers. Have it output at a vendor like Kinkos. Have mounted and
gloss laminated. You can then use dry markers to try different ideas for
missions.NOTE: When you go to Fedex/Kinkos or a similar vendor you should
specify:
- Print 11x17 no bleeds (no color off the edge)
- Print at 100% (not fit to margins or page)
- Mount on foamcore or a similar stiff material.
- Gloss laminate.
This should cost between $9-12 per board (USD)
DOWNLOADS
Right click and choose 'Save Target or Link As..." to save to your local
computer.
|
 |
|
A Worksheet for the Challenge Elements
UPDATED WITH RATS
Use these to plan your missions and programming and make assignments during
assembly..
- In order of effort for assembly.
- Contains a small image of each of the elements.
- Shows the number of pages of instructions..
DOWNLOADS
|
 |
|
A Strategy Worksheet for the Challenge Pieces
UPDATED WITH RATSWe will send this home with our team on our next meeting.
Their homework will be to read the challenge, write out
each task, and come with at least two ideas for each task. Use this in
conjunction with the table worksheet.
DOWNLOAD |
 |
|
Step-By-Step Programming Worksheet
A simple worksheet for mission/programming sequences.
DOWNLOAD
|
 |
|
Food Factor Mat Art
This file contains two versions of the mat art.
NOTE: This was photographed so there may be some minor deviations in
alignment.
DOWNLOAD
|
 |
|
Food Factor Challenge Intro
Basic intro sheet.
DOWNLOAD
|
 |
|
|
Awesome Lego parts that can win you an FLL tournament (5 pages)
Over the years there have been thousand of parts made by LEGO. You can find them
at BrickLink and many can give you a competitive advantage. Jonathan has
compiled some of the more interesting parts. There are thousands more. Happy
searching!
JonathansBricklinkTips.pdf
English
Angela W from the Netherlands Asked:
"We saw the info about the parts made by LEGO. We looked at the link for the
Lego parts and it is indeed a perfect link but for teams in the Netherlands it
is hard to get parts. In the Netherlands there are no shops were you can get
single items only boxes with total cars etc. BRICKSHOP Holland stores have none
of the items and we don't know where we can go now. Can you help us?"
Answer: You can buy these parts directly from BrickLink sellers. Most ship
internationally. All you need is a free bricklink account
https://www.bricklink.com/regCountry.asp?a=WN and a PayPal Account (also
free http://www.paypal.com.
We have ordered parts from Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, etc. In fact
many of the parts on BrickLink are not available from LEGO which is why it is
fascinating. According to FLL rules you can use any official LEGO item every
manufactured! |
 |
|
Community Service
US FIRST encourages teams to get involved in the community. TechBrick has
will be working with a new national STEM initiative.
|
 TechBrick is assisting a new national STEM initiative as part of our public
service work. Click here
to learn more about this exciting program.
TechBrick
has been involved in advising a new national
STEM curriculum offering. This is a hugely
exciting program. Please read below and visit
the LGBG website to learn more. If you attend
or have a Boys & Girls Club or YMCA in your town
that would like to introduce a successful STEM
program Dr. Corky Graham would like to
talk to you.
Find a school or organization near you and
get involved.
Click here
to learn more about this exciting program.
|
|
What is a Team Info Sheet?
Terry Stevens asked: "The Coaches Manual refers to a Team
Introduction Page to be used at the tournaments. I have searched
high and low but can't find it. Do you guys have one ? Thanks,
Terry"
Some tournaments provide a form. However, in general, the team
info sheet is a simple document that reminds the judges of
the following:
- Team name
- Location/Town
- Team members (include names and a photo)
- Your robot (for technical interview)
- Your project (for research presentation)
- Your team (for the teamwork interview)
As you can see, there can be up to three of these (Tech,
Teamwork, and Presentation).
We've included some samples of our previous team info sheets.
Some are form-based, others of our own design.
Remember, in most tournaments the judges may see 10-20 teams. A
good info sheet provides a reminder for them when it gets down to
final scoring.
|
CLICK
HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL FLL TEAM INFO
COVER
SHEET.Some sample sheets from the past few years.
Right click and choose 'Save Target or Link As..."
to save to your local computer.
Bottom Line:
Be concise, be creative, be clear. Make sure you have
good photos.
From the Ohio Open
  |
|
Cool LEGO Ruler
With Stud Counters
You can download
a press ready PDF of the cool TechBrick ruler we've been
giving out at tournaments.The ruler features:
- English and metric scales.
- LEGO stud counter.
Read these special instructions first:
- You must print this on US Legal Paper
(8.5 * 14 inches US)
- Print it on card stock for best results.
- Trim carefully at crop marks.
- Make SURE that Acrobat is set to print at 100% and
NOT fit to page or margins.
- This file can be used for commercial CMYK (4 color)
printing or printing on home or office color printers.
|
BE SURE TO
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE LEFT FOR PROPER PRINTING OF
THIS RULER.
Right click here
and choose "Save Target As..." to
download the ruler PDF. |
|
Mission Path Robot
Speed Spreadsheet
 In
2009 our 'Senior Team’ (FLL Team
1), which includes our older FLL
students and some younger ones in their
5th year of FLL, is took a different
approach.
We are teaching them to do true product
development by describing the challenge
in detail BEFORE they pick up one brick.
One of the tasks as do a real
calculation of the speed the robot must
achieve to make it through all the
missions. So Nathan W developed this
spread sheet to make sure the robot can
complete the missions.
We've left some sample data in the sheet
so you can see how it works.
Begin by measuring the distance your
robot must travel to complete all its
missions.
Then enter any stop times (in seconds)
that represent the time you take to do a
particular task.
What you have left is the time your
robot can drive. Divide into distance
and you your IPS/CPS measurement.
We will leave the calculations of IPS/CPS
to you and of course the test of whether
your robot can maneuver at that speed.DOWNLOAD
|
 |
|
|
Mundane and Boring Subjects that will Change Your Digital Life
This a series one page articles that summarize all the key points of
critical communications issues. The topics in red below will be of particular
interest to mentors and teams. But you should still read the all them.
FIVE IMPORTANT BUSINESS PRINCIPLES 3
FILE NAMING SO YOU CAN FIND YOUR WORK 4
FOLDER NAMING AND VERSIONING 5
A MOST EXCELLENT TIP FOR OUTLOOK PART 1 6
E-COMMERCE IS HARD: No Magic Bullets 7
FORMAT YOUR EMAIL IN A SENSIBLE MANNER 8
DON’T SEND TO, CC OR BCC WHEN YOU SHOULD SEND PERSONALLY 9
NITTY GRITTY OF WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT 10
WHAT IS A CORPORATE ID? 11
DESIGNING A LOGO 12
THE SIX BASIC WORD FUNCTIONS TO KNOW 13
GOOD TYPE MAKES A DIFFERENCE. REALLY. 14
CAN YOU WEATHER :) CLOUD COMPUTING? 15
FROM 36 EXPOSURES TO 3600: HOW TO SORT DIGITAL PHOTOS 16
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS FLOW CHART 17
PRIMER ON THE REASON FOR REQUIREMENTS 18
UNABASHED SELF PROMOTION 19
This document will be updated in the next with a number of new, useful
articles so be sure to subscribe to our NL.
Click Here To Subscribe.
DOWNLOAD
|
 |
|
Resources
for the
We would like to create gallery of
teams who use our worksheets! Just email a photo that shows your
team using any of our resources and short description (include team name
number, and city/state/country) and we'll post it... Send it to
