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2012/13 SITE:  Home *  Challenge Worksheets and Resources  * Events Contact/Register

Scroll Down for Page ContentResources for the
FLL 2012-13 Challenge:
Senior Solutions

>> CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL RESOURCES FROM ALL YEARS

  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 marco@techbrick.com 

Interested in translating our documents? Please send an email to marco@techbrick.com with your name, email, phone number, and preferred language. Special thank you to Cesar Barscevicius, Alex Salgado, Angela Wellink, Tymen Kuperus, and Fang Wang for our first translations.

READ MORE ABOUT OUR TRANSLATORS.
NEW! VIEW THIS PAGE IN TRANSLATED CHINESE

Have you benefited from our work? Care to help defray our costs? Consider a small contribution via PayPal.

SCROLL DOWN FOR RESOURCES

What will you find on our 2012-2013 FLL resource page?

NEW: General Resources for 2012 << DONT MISS THIS

Other Key Resources You Should Check Out:

BE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER TO KEEP UP WITH NEW RESOURCES. Click Here Now.

Scroll Down for Page ContentCheck back throughout the season as we add resources for education and research for JFLL, FLL, and FTC challenges.

Scroll down for lots of resources . Get them now!
Team Info Sheets, Maps, Rules, Worksheets, Rulers and more.

NOTE: IT IS BEST TO 'RIGHT CLICK' ON THE LINKS BELOW AND CHOOSE "Save Target As..." to download the documents.

CHECK OUT OUR FTC ROBOT THROWING OUT THE FIRST PITCH AT AN IRONBIRDS GAME...

Visit RobotMats.com for the best training tool ever for your FLL team.

COPYRIGHT AND USAGE GUIDELINES

Main FLL 2012-13
Resources Page
Team Tips and General Resources 2012. Lot's of Great Stuff.

General Resources

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST RESOURCES.  SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER TODAY

Get a copy of our PPT for New Teams
RESOURCES AT US FIRST
FLL  Main Page
FLL Logo Resources
FIRST Forums ESSENTIAL
Previous Year's Resources:
Smart Move
Climate Connections
Power Puzzle
NanoQuest

Body Forward
Food Factor

How to Get Replacement Parts for Table Models

New Teams Click Here for Tons of Resources

Cool group exercises for team building. Get Them Now!

The ultimate helper for mission planning: Mission Cards.

Resources for
Jr. FIRST LEGO League

Must Visit Website
http://www.nxtprograms.com

Hundreds of practical examples, photos, and full building instructions for programming.
FIRST LEGO LEAGUE: The Unofficial Guide

New Must  Have Book!  OK. You're ready to start an JrFLL, FLL, or FTC team. What should you do next? 
 BUY THIS BOOK

Read Team Tips for Cool Ideas!

General Resources


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.comHowever, 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

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.


NEW: General Resources for 2012 << DONT MISS THIS

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!


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.

Senior Solutions Logo

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

Right click and choose 'Save Target or Link  As..." to save to your local computer.


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.


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


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


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.

SIZE >>

US Inches US Metric A4 US Inches US Metric A4
LANGUAGE Blank Field (no elements Field With Elements
ENGLISH Download Download Download Download Download Download
CHINESE Download Download Download Download Download Download
PORTUGUESE Download Download Download Download Download Download
SPANISH Download Download Download Download Download Download
DUTCH Download          

    NEW! VIEW THIS PAGE IN TRANSLATED CHINESE
 



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.



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


Senior Solutions Mat Art

NOTE: This was photographed so there may be some minor deviations in alignment.

DOWNLOAD


Senior Solutions Mat Art With Elements

NOTE: This was photographed so there may be some minor deviations in alignment.

DOWNLOAD


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!

click on the image for a
full size version.

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


 

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FIRST®, FIRST® Tech Challenge, FTC®, FIRST® LEGO League, FLL®, Junior FIRST® LEGO® League, and JrFLL®, are jointly held trademarks of FIRST® (www.usfirst.org) and The LEGO Group, neither of which is overseeing, involved with, or responsible for this activity, product, or service.
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