Resources for the 2014-15 Challenges: World Class Marco Ciavolino Introduces the new TechBrick Resources   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. 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 2014-2015 FLL resource page? Scoring Sheets Images For Your Own Worksheets, Posters, and Clothing Highres Logo. Worksheet for the Challenge Table 11x17 Field Worksheet for Strategy A Worksheet for the Challenge Elements A Strategy Worksheet for the Challenge Pieces Step-By-Step Programming Worksheet Awesome Lego parts that can win you a FLL tournament (5 pages) What is a Team Info Sheet? Cool LEGO Ruler With Stud Counters Mission Path Robot Speed Spreadsheet Digital Truths Articles   While you are waiting check out our other key resources: General Resources   >> DONT MISS THIS   Cool group exercises for team building. Help them learn to communicate well. Get Them Now!   The ultimate helper for mission planning: Mission Cards.   Read Team Tips for Cool Ideas! BE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER TO KEEP UP WITH NEW RESOURCES. Click Here Now.

Check 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.

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.

Main FLL World Class Site: http://www.firstlegoleague.org/challenge/2014fllworldclass
Go here. Read everything.

2014 FLL WORLD CLASS
Challenge What is the future of learning? FIRST® LEGO® League teams will find the answers. In the 2014 FLL WORLD CLASS℠ Challenge, over 265,000 children from 80 countries will redesign how we gather knowledge and skills in the 21st century. Teams will teach adults about the ways that kids need and want to learn. Get ready for a whole new class – FLL WORLD CLASS

While it's obvious that everyone needs to become an expert on the details of the Missions below, it’s also EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for everyone, veteran teams as well as rookies, to read the OTHER THREE CRITICAL ROBOT GAME PAGES: Field Setup + Rules + Updates, and go back to them repeatedly.

Look at the benefits...

ALERT: Same as last year the 400 Point Barrier Gone! As you'll see you can score up to 858 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 and they include all the scoring details for training. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOUR DRIVE TEAMS KNOW THE RULES BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO SIGN OFF ON THE THEIR SCORES DURING A COMPETITION.

Note: We updated this on 9/3/2014 to clarify the ENGAGEMENT scoring which is a bit ambiguous in the rules.
if you visit the online scoring app at: http://www.bsvrobotics.com/fll2014/FLLscore.html
You can see how it works. Take your total score, NOT INCLUDING THE 20 POINTS OF ENGAGEMENT if scored, the add the percentage from the chart on page 29 of the rules, then add back the 20 points if scored. Since you can turn it 180 degrees per reset (trip to and from base) it would take 25 trips to get the full 58% boost. You can plan with strategic options at the online  scoring app above.

ENGLISH (v1):
FLL-2014-WorldClass-ScoringSheet-EN.pdf

We will update the international versions shortly.

Please forward comments/suggestions to marco@techbrick.com

CHECK OUT THE NEW SCORING APPS PAGE

Ginny To, the lead mentor of the FLL ELECTROBOTS in Maryland (Delaware state champions in 2012-13) has prepared a very useful schedule for FLL teams. I know this is in the handbook and other places, but her presentation is concise.

DOWNLOADS

• PDF: FLL-2014-WorldClass-SampleSchedule.pdf
• MS WORD: FLL-2014-WorldClass-SampleSchedule.doc

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

We extracted the table element images from the PDFs in various formats.

• All files are PNG format
• 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 do 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
  • FLL-WorldClass-Elements-70.zip
  • FLL-WorldClass-Elements-150.zip
  • FLL-WorldClass-Elements-1500.zip
  • FLL-WorldClass-Elements-3000.zip
     
•  Layered Photoshop File with all elements for advanced work
  • FLL2014-WorldClass-Elements-3000-Photoshop.zip

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

The logos provided initially had mixed color models and did not provide a 'solid color' version or spot color version.  Here are all the versions you need.

First, a color model with the exact colors in RGB, CMYK, HEX, and PMS.

• FLL_WorldClass_color-guide.pdf

Adobe Illustrator (CC/AI) versions for all color combinations.

• FLL-WorldClass-Logos-AdobeIllustrator.zip
  • Includes versions for color, grayscale, black, and spot color (5 colors)

Raster Versions (JPG/PNG with transparency)

• FLL-WorldClass-Logos-JPG-PNG.zip

If you want to print shirts in one color silk screen you will need the solid version. If you have a friendly silk screen vendor they can use the five spot color AI version.

A Worksheet for the Challenge Elements

Use these to plan your missions and programming and make assignments during assembly.

Now includes a reference to the "Bag with No Number..." Whoa.

DOWNLOADS

• FLL-2014-WorldClass-BuildGuide.pdf
  Right click and choose 'Save Target or Link  As..." to save to your local computer.

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 SHEET GROUPED BY ASSEMBLY BAGS (four pages)

• FLL-2014-WorldClass-Strategy.pdf

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

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

• FLL-2014-WorldClass-FieldWorksheetEN.pdf
• FLL-2014-WorldClass-FieldWorksheetENMetric.pdf
• FLL-2014-WorldClass-FieldWorksheetENMetricA4.pdf

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

• FLL-2014-WorldClass-FieldWorksheetElementsEN.pdf
• FLL-2014-WorldClass-FieldWorksheetElementsENMetric.pdf
• FLL-2014-WorldClass-FieldWorksheetENMetricElementsA4.pdf

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.

• FLL-2014-FirstClass-FieldWorksheet11x17F.pdf
  US Tabloid Size
• FLL-2013-FirstClass-FieldWorksheet11x17-ElementsF.pdf
  US Tabloid Size: With Elements

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

• FLL-2014-WorldClass-StepByStepProgramming.pdf

Mat Art

NOTE: This was photographed so there may be some minor deviations in alignment. THIS IS NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR AN OFFICIAL MAT PURCHASED FROM YOUR LEGO DISTRIBUTOR. IT IS ONLY INTENDED FOR USE TO MAKE PRACTICE MATS.

DOWNLOAD MAT ONLY

• FLL2014-WorldClass-FullSize.jpg  (full size at 150dpi)
  Right click and choose 'Save Target or Link  As..." to save to your local computer.
   
• FLL2014-WorldClass-Mat-Plain-8in.jpg  (8 inches at 300dpi)
  Right click and choose 'Save Target or Link  As..." to save to your local computer.

DOWNLOAD MAT WITH ELEMENTS

• FLL2014-WorldClass-FullSize-Elements.jpg  (full size at 150dpi)
  Right click and choose 'Save Target or Link  As..." to save to your local computer.
   
• FLL2014-WorldClass-Mat-Elements-8in.jpg  (8 inches at 300dpi)
  Right click and choose 'Save Target or Link  As..." to save to your local computer.

DOWNLOAD PRESS READY PDF (10 MB)

• FLL2014-WorldClass-Mat-Plain-FullSize.pdf
  RIGHT CLICK AND CHOOSE SAVE TARGET/ LINK AS...
  NOTE: This was photographed so there may be some minor deviations in alignment. THIS IS NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR AN OFFICIAL MAT PURCHASED FROM YOUR LEGO DISTRIBUTOR. IT IS ONLY INTENDED FOR USE TO MAKE PRACTICE MATS.

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!

• JonathansBricklinkTips2014.pdf

click on the image for a full size version.

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!

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.
 

• TechTeamInfo2006.pdf
• TechTeamInfo2007Presentation.pdf
• TechTeamInfo2007Programs.pdf
• TechTeamInfo2007Robot.pdf
• TechTeamInfo2007TeamInfo.pdf
• TeamInfoSheetTeam1_Ohio2009.pdf 

Bottom Line:
Be concise, be creative, be clear. Make sure you have good photos.

From the Ohio Open
   

You can download a press ready PDF of the cool TechBrick ruler we've been giving out at tournaments.

Right click on the link below and choose "Save Target As..." to download the ruler PDF.

• TechBrickRules2014-15-FLL-SideFront.pdf

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.

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

• TechBrickRobotDistanceCalculator.xls
  Right click and choose "Save File/Link as..." to save this to your local hard disk.

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

• ChangeYourDigitalWorldEnktesisLLC.pdf
  Right click and choose "Save File/Link as..." to save this to your local hard disk.