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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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US FIRST RESOURCES: READ EVERYTHING AT THE
CHALLENGE PAGES. DON'T SKIP ONE DOCUMENT. Main FLL
Site: http://firstlegoleague.org
Challenge:
http://www.firstlegoleague.org/challenge/2012seniorsolutions
BE SURE TO VISIT THIS PAGER FOR ALL RESOURCES TEAM RESOURCES:
http://www.firstlegoleague.org/challenge/teamresources
A MUST READ Robot Game Updates:
http://firstlegoleague.org/challenge/robotgameupdates
CHECK FREQUENTLY FOR UPDATES: ESSENTIAL READING The
Challenge
Can FIRST LEGO League teams improve the quality of life for seniors
by helping them continue to be independent, engaged, and connected in their
communities? In the 2012 SENIOR SOLUTIONS Challenge, over 200,000 children ages
9 to16* from more than 60 countries will explore the topic of aging and how it
may affect a person’s ability to maintain his or her lifestyle – solving issues
like getting around, keeping in touch, or staying fit. Teams will research
obstacles and then suggest ways to improve the quality of life for the seniors
affected. Teams will also build, test, and program an autonomous robot using
LEGO MINDSTORMS robot to solve a set of missions on an obstacle course.
Throughout their experience, teams will operate under FLL’s signature set of
Core Values. |
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NEW: General Resources for 2012
<< DONT MISS THIS |
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Practice
Scoring Sheet for Strategic Purposes
Now in Version 2 with updated scoring for
"Future Effects"Note that on some forums people are indicating
higher scores, but those are strategic issues you’ll have to find on your own.
This sheet only scores what is plainly evident in the rules.
ALERT:
400 Point Barrier Gone! As you'll see you can score up to 723 points (we think).
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.
DOWNLOAD
ENGLISH (v2):
FLL2012-SeniorSolutions-ScoringSheet-EN.pdf
CHINESE (v2):
FLL2012-SeniorSolutions-ScoringSheet-CN.pdf
NEW!
VIEW THIS PAGE IN TRANSLATED CHINESE
PORTUGUESE (v1):
FLL2012-SeniorSolutions-ScoringSheet-PT.pdf
SPANISH (v2):
FLL2012-SeniorSolutions-ScoringSheet-SP.pdf
DUTCH (v2):
FLL2012-SeniorSolutions-ScoringSheet-NL.pdf
We will update the international versions shortly.
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.
CHECK
OUT OUR ONLINE AND APPS SCORING PAGE.
Now with online and Android along with the first iPhone App versions!
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Very High Resolution Version
of the Senior Solutions Logo Looking for a really high resolutions
version of the logo? The hi-res version below is 4400 pixels wide. It can be resized
easily. The lo-res is 400 pixels wide. The PNGs have a completely
transparent background.
Senior Solutions Logo Lo-Res (400 px wide) Color and Gray
SeniorSolutionsSMI-E-C-400px.zip
Senior Solutions Logo Hi-Res (4400 px wide) Color and Gray
SeniorSolutionsSMI-E-C-4400px.zip
We've also included a zip file with source Photoshop (PSD), Illustrator
(AI) and EPS files.
SeniorSolutionsLogosAll.zip
* Contains a Photoshop, Illustrator, and EPS version.
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Element Images For Your Own Worksheets, Posters, and Clothing We
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
- Element Files in Four Resolutions
- Photoshop File Layered with all elements. Contains the Photoshop file for
all four resolutions.
Right click and choose 'Save Target or Link As..." to save to your
local computer. |
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Build instructions
for Senior Solutions Elements 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. |
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A Worksheet for the Challenge Elements
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
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A Strategy Worksheet for the Challenge Pieces
We 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
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Worksheet for the "Senior
Solutions" 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 full color image
- Images are sharp
DOWNLOADS
Right click and choose 'Save Target or Link As..." to save to your local
computer.
NEW! VIEW THIS PAGE IN TRANSLATED CHINESE
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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.
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Step-By-Step Programming Worksheet
A simple worksheet for mission/programming sequences. Right click and choose 'Save Target or Link As..." to save to your local
computer.
DOWNLOAD
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Senior Solutions Mat Art
NOTE: This was photographed so there may be some minor deviations in
alignment.
DOWNLOAD
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Senior Solutions Mat Art With Elements
NOTE: This was photographed so there may be some minor deviations in
alignment.
DOWNLOAD
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Awesome Lego parts that can win you an FLL tournament
Updated 8.28.2012 with Visitor Contributions
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!
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! |
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Community Service
US FIRST encourages teams to get involved in the community. TechBrick has
will be working with a new national STEM initiative.

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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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. |
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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
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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
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