2008 first robotics conference building & sustaining a community robotics program – a case...

2008 FIRST Robotics Conference2008 FIRST Robotics Conference

Building & Sustaining a Building & Sustaining a Community Robotics Program Community Robotics Program

– a Case Study– a Case Study

Sharon Youth Robotics Sharon Youth Robotics AssociationAssociation

Presented by:Presented by:

John Pilvines, coach/mentor of FTC 1, Team UnlimitedJohn Pilvines, coach/mentor of FTC 1, Team Unlimited

Alex Falcon, Nick Kondratiev, Benjamin Mende, Alex Falcon, Nick Kondratiev, Benjamin Mende, Patrick Pilvines & Omer Zaidi, members of Team Patrick Pilvines & Omer Zaidi, members of Team

UnlimitedUnlimited


TopicsTopics

The Saga of the Sharon Youth Robotics AssociationThe Saga of the Sharon Youth Robotics Association Founding the SYRAFounding the SYRA Growth in the FLL programGrowth in the FLL program Expanding in the FVC/FTC programExpanding in the FVC/FTC program

Community vs. school-based organizationCommunity vs. school-based organization FIRST program focus – FLL, FTC and/or FRCFIRST program focus – FLL, FTC and/or FRC Organization meetingsOrganization meetings Orientation and trainingOrientation and training Focus of teams – from casual to dedicated, inward to outward Focus of teams – from casual to dedicated, inward to outward

orientedoriented RecruitmentRecruitment FundingFunding Internal scrimmages and competitionsInternal scrimmages and competitions Regional and state competitionsRegional and state competitions OutreachOutreach


The Saga of the Sharon Youth The Saga of the Sharon Youth Robotics Association - FoundingRobotics Association - Founding

At the start – every robotics program or At the start – every robotics program or independent team needs a Championindependent team needs a Champion Ours is Jack Gregory, founder of the SYRA (1999)Ours is Jack Gregory, founder of the SYRA (1999) Started bringing group of kids to MIT 6.270 robotics Started bringing group of kids to MIT 6.270 robotics

course final competitioncourse final competition Eager kids ready for first season of FLLEager kids ready for first season of FLL Motivation – like many, felt that this program would Motivation – like many, felt that this program would

be good for his (and others) kids’ educationbe good for his (and others) kids’ education

Next season will be our tenth anniversary!Next season will be our tenth anniversary!


Starting a FIRST robotics Starting a FIRST robotics programprogram

Build on the experience of an individual teamBuild on the experience of an individual team Create the resource structure for expansionCreate the resource structure for expansion

Active volunteers are critical – after the teams Active volunteers are critical – after the teams themselves, your most important resourcethemselves, your most important resource

Build on the experiences of othersBuild on the experiences of others Recruit assistance from existing FIRST groups – Recruit assistance from existing FIRST groups –

advice and mentoringadvice and mentoring Don’t be afraid to experiment – there are more than Don’t be afraid to experiment – there are more than

one right answersone right answers Recruit activelyRecruit actively


Community vs. School-based Community vs. School-based GroupGroup

The SYRA is a community-based informal The SYRA is a community-based informal organizationorganization Sole focus is to foster participation in robotics programsSole focus is to foster participation in robotics programs

Currently – 7 FLL & 3 FTC teams in SharonCurrently – 7 FLL & 3 FTC teams in Sharon Outreach to other teams and programsOutreach to other teams and programs

Mentors share decision making – we set our own policiesMentors share decision making – we set our own policies Flexibility – recruiting & forming teams by affinity Flexibility – recruiting & forming teams by affinity

groupingsgroupings Many school programs are focused on a single gradeMany school programs are focused on a single grade Not dependent on school budget cyclesNot dependent on school budget cycles

Conditions set on the use of funds raised by the teamsConditions set on the use of funds raised by the teams


Community vs. School-based Community vs. School-based GroupGroup

The SYRA is a community-based informal The SYRA is a community-based informal organizationorganization Not dependent on teacher coachesNot dependent on teacher coaches

Great where enthusiastic, not so great when assignedGreat where enthusiastic, not so great when assigned Focus on retaining teams in program, year-on-yearFocus on retaining teams in program, year-on-year Have benefited from cooperation from the Sharon Have benefited from cooperation from the Sharon

Community Center, the Sharon Public Library, and Community Center, the Sharon Public Library, and the Sharon Girl Scouts (facilities for meetings)the Sharon Girl Scouts (facilities for meetings)

No non-profit status at presentNo non-profit status at present Fully dependent on volunteer coach/mentorsFully dependent on volunteer coach/mentors


Orientation and trainingOrientation and training

All teams members start as rookiesAll teams members start as rookies Hands on with adult & student mentors at each Hands on with adult & student mentors at each

Tuesday meeting, peer-to-peer helpTuesday meeting, peer-to-peer help Many coaches and mentors start as rookiesMany coaches and mentors start as rookies

Workshop for new coach/mentors (train the trainer)Workshop for new coach/mentors (train the trainer) Peer-to-peer consultation with experienced coachesPeer-to-peer consultation with experienced coaches

Emphasis on “Gracious Professionalism”Emphasis on “Gracious Professionalism” Good Sportsmanship, Coopetition, Golden Rule, Good Sportsmanship, Coopetition, Golden Rule,

Shared Achievement – we know it when we see it!Shared Achievement – we know it when we see it!


Volunteer ManagementVolunteer Management

Coach/Mentor - appropriate roles and participationCoach/Mentor - appropriate roles and participation Leadership, logistics, resources, food!Leadership, logistics, resources, food! Limit hands on (especially post-rookie FLL year)Limit hands on (especially post-rookie FLL year)

Let the kids do itLet the kids do it Guide them at needGuide them at need Socratic questioningSocratic questioning

Support and resources from SYRA peer coachesSupport and resources from SYRA peer coaches Orientation/training, ongoing – they are not alone!Orientation/training, ongoing – they are not alone!

Helps to have buy-in from your significant otherHelps to have buy-in from your significant other Partners coaching together can make for fewer conflictsPartners coaching together can make for fewer conflicts


Volunteer ManagementVolunteer Management

Conflict resolution - adultsConflict resolution - adults ““Type A” competitivenessType A” competitiveness Delicate balance – best not to offend volunteersDelicate balance – best not to offend volunteers Gracious Professionalism!Gracious Professionalism!

Conflict resolution - teamsConflict resolution - teams Coach the coachesCoach the coaches Compatible teams have fewer conflictsCompatible teams have fewer conflicts Keep teams small (4-6 is best, 10 is usually too Keep teams small (4-6 is best, 10 is usually too

large)large) Subgroups on team to take responsibilitySubgroups on team to take responsibility

Encourage FLL teams to build modular robots, plug-in Encourage FLL teams to build modular robots, plug-in components for sub-team missionscomponents for sub-team missions


RecruitmentRecruitment

New teams now usually form entirely of new New teams now usually form entirely of new membersmembers Affinity grouped teams tend to stay together longerAffinity grouped teams tend to stay together longer Encourages recruiting by new recruitsEncourages recruiting by new recruits

Existing teams often add member(s) in a seasonExisting teams often add member(s) in a season Coach/mentors are usually parentsCoach/mentors are usually parents Our teams are very diverseOur teams are very diverse

Sharon is a diverse communitySharon is a diverse community We welcome all to participate (including other towns)We welcome all to participate (including other towns) Ability has no gender, race, ethnicity et alAbility has no gender, race, ethnicity et al Opportunity shouldn’t eitherOpportunity shouldn’t either


RecruitmentRecruitment

Expand organization through:Expand organization through: Word of mouth (referrals)Word of mouth (referrals) Local newspaper article(s)Local newspaper article(s) Posters on popular locationsPosters on popular locations

Schools, library, stores popular with kidsSchools, library, stores popular with kids Public appearances (fund raising can be multi-Public appearances (fund raising can be multi-

purpose)purpose) Team Unlimited raised hundreds of dollars selling Team Unlimited raised hundreds of dollars selling

prints at a Harvest Festival last fall, recruited half a prints at a Harvest Festival last fall, recruited half a dozen new FLLersdozen new FLLers


FundingFunding

Dues paid by student members support the SYRADues paid by student members support the SYRA Individual teams raise money in various waysIndividual teams raise money in various ways

DonationsDonations Yard SalesYard Sales Sales of scenic photographic prints of SharonSales of scenic photographic prints of Sharon

Lack of non-profit status is an obstacle to large Lack of non-profit status is an obstacle to large donations and sponsorshipsdonations and sponsorships

SYRA funds support . . .SYRA funds support . . . Team registrations, tournament registrations, tee Team registrations, tournament registrations, tee

shirtsshirts


Internal scrimmages and Internal scrimmages and competitionscompetitions

Set mission challenges for early meetingsSet mission challenges for early meetings ““First team to achieve wins a pound of LEGOs”First team to achieve wins a pound of LEGOs”

During later meetings teams run the table (timed)During later meetings teams run the table (timed) Run missions that they have designed forRun missions that they have designed for

At start of tournament season: Annual Sharon FLL At start of tournament season: Annual Sharon FLL Invitational (for our teams & those closely Invitational (for our teams & those closely associated)associated)

Before each regional or state tournament, teams Before each regional or state tournament, teams run the table to qualify to represent the SYRArun the table to qualify to represent the SYRA Internal run-off at closest meetingInternal run-off at closest meeting Only one state slot per mini-teamOnly one state slot per mini-team


Regional and state competitionsRegional and state competitions

Send two (or three if room) teams to each Send two (or three if room) teams to each available MA competitionavailable MA competition

Mentors Team accompanies (when possible)Mentors Team accompanies (when possible) To provide on-site assistance, FTC program To provide on-site assistance, FTC program

promotion, as well as tournament volunteerspromotion, as well as tournament volunteers SYRA teams tend to do well in FLL competitionSYRA teams tend to do well in FLL competition

Good mentoring – prepared, know what to expectGood mentoring – prepared, know what to expect More experience in a timed competitive environmentMore experience in a timed competitive environment More years of experience (on average) in the FLL More years of experience (on average) in the FLL

programprogram


Results on the FIRST fieldsResults on the FIRST fields

One of our proudest momentsOne of our proudest moments Central MA FLL “Robonautica” 2005 State TournamentCentral MA FLL “Robonautica” 2005 State Tournament

Each of three SYRA teams received an individual awardEach of three SYRA teams received an individual award One of our “Mentor’s Team” received a Mentor’s AwardOne of our “Mentor’s Team” received a Mentor’s Award And the three teams together won the Team Spirit AwardAnd the three teams together won the Team Spirit Award

SYRA teams have been in Atlanta for the past 5 SYRA teams have been in Atlanta for the past 5 yearsyears

MA FLL 2008MA FLL 2008 SYRA team finished first at Eastern MA StateSYRA team finished first at Eastern MA State SYRA teams finished first and second at Central MA SYRA teams finished first and second at Central MA

StateState SYRA teams finished first and second at late-season SYRA teams finished first and second at late-season

“Boston PowerPlay!”“Boston PowerPlay!”


FIRST focus – FLL, FTC, FRC . . .FIRST focus – FLL, FTC, FRC . . .

We consider the FIRST philosophies to be at the We consider the FIRST philosophies to be at the core of our organizationcore of our organization FFor or IInspiration and nspiration and RRecognition of ecognition of SScience and cience and

TTechnologyechnology Gracious ProfessionalismGracious Professionalism

FLL: we were founded to foster FLL participationFLL: we were founded to foster FLL participation FVC/FTC: since demo season (spring 2005)FVC/FTC: since demo season (spring 2005) FRC: considering school partnership to form a FRC: considering school partnership to form a

rookie team next seasonrookie team next season


FLL 1999 – FIRST ContactFLL 1999 – FIRST Contact

First Season for FLL – First Season for Sharon First Season for FLL – First Season for Sharon RoboticsRobotics

Five teams organized for internal competitionFive teams organized for internal competition From Cottage St Elementary and the Alternative SchoolFrom Cottage St Elementary and the Alternative School Supported by the PTO – limited fundingSupported by the PTO – limited funding

One team chosen to compete as “FIRST Sharon” at One team chosen to compete as “FIRST Sharon” at Boston Museum of ScienceBoston Museum of Science Finished secondFinished second

After-season competition in Charlton MAAfter-season competition in Charlton MA Finished third, Outstanding Leadership awardFinished third, Outstanding Leadership award

Low profile, because no tee shirtsLow profile, because no tee shirts


FLL 2000 – Volcanic PanicFLL 2000 – Volcanic Panic

Six teams organized for internal competitionSix teams organized for internal competition From Cottage St Elementary and the Alternative From Cottage St Elementary and the Alternative

SchoolSchool Still supported by the PTO – limited fundingStill supported by the PTO – limited funding

Two teams competed as “FIRST Sharon A & B” at Two teams competed as “FIRST Sharon A & B” at Boston Museum of ScienceBoston Museum of Science Finished Finished

After-season competition in Charlton MAAfter-season competition in Charlton MA 3 teams, good results3 teams, good results

Still no tee shirts!Still no tee shirts!


The Saga of the Sharon Youth The Saga of the Sharon Youth Robotics Association – Growth in Robotics Association – Growth in FLL programFLL program

In the 2001 season, the SYRA as we know it In the 2001 season, the SYRA as we know it today was formedtoday was formed

No longer school based – PTO funding faded as No longer school based – PTO funding faded as organization expanded to multiple schoolsorganization expanded to multiple schools

Meetings at the Sharon Community CenterMeetings at the Sharon Community Center Dues-based funding – money for tee shirts!Dues-based funding – money for tee shirts!


The Saga of the Sharon Youth The Saga of the Sharon Youth Robotics Association – Lessons Robotics Association – Lessons LearnedLearned

From first two seasons of FLL . . .From first two seasons of FLL . . . Kids and parents need to create their own teamsKids and parents need to create their own teams At least two coaches per teamAt least two coaches per team At least three kids per teamAt least three kids per team Girls need other girls on the team to feel Girls need other girls on the team to feel

comfortablecomfortable New teams need help getting goingNew teams need help getting going Weekly meetings of all teams strengthen ALL teamsWeekly meetings of all teams strengthen ALL teams Tee shirts are essential to team recognition at Tee shirts are essential to team recognition at

tournaments, and the shirt is a major tangible for tournaments, and the shirt is a major tangible for kidskids


FLL 2001 – Arctic ImpactFLL 2001 – Arctic Impact

Seven teams organized for internal competitionSeven teams organized for internal competition Students from various elementary plus Middle SchoolStudents from various elementary plus Middle School Competing as the “Sharon Iced Eagles” A, B & CCompeting as the “Sharon Iced Eagles” A, B & C

Contest for tee shirt designsContest for tee shirt designs Competed in 4 tournamentsCompeted in 4 tournaments

Blackstone Regional, MA State (Robonautica), RI State, Blackstone Regional, MA State (Robonautica), RI State, Charlton (King of the Hill) post-seasonCharlton (King of the Hill) post-season

All teams did well in each competitionAll teams did well in each competition Teams qualified to represent SYRA by internal run-Teams qualified to represent SYRA by internal run-

offsoffs Fill remaining roster from other mini-teamsFill remaining roster from other mini-teams


Organization meetingsOrganization meetings

Core function of our association: the Tuesday Core function of our association: the Tuesday meetingmeeting

Early in season – team formation, kickoff, training Early in season – team formation, kickoff, training for new teams and coachesfor new teams and coaches

Regular meetings – 90 minutesRegular meetings – 90 minutes First 30 minutes for rookiesFirst 30 minutes for rookies

No-pressure Q&A, hands on with adult & student mentorsNo-pressure Q&A, hands on with adult & student mentors Next 60 minutes for general meetingNext 60 minutes for general meeting

News, rule clarifications, association businessNews, rule clarifications, association business Challenges (a mission, with a prize for 1Challenges (a mission, with a prize for 1stst to accomplish) to accomplish) Run timed rounds, as in competitionRun timed rounds, as in competition


FLL 2002 – City SightsFLL 2002 – City Sights

Seven teams organized for internal competitionSeven teams organized for internal competition Students from various elementary plus Middle Students from various elementary plus Middle

SchoolSchool Competing as the “Sharon Urban Eagles” A, B & CCompeting as the “Sharon Urban Eagles” A, B & C

Competed in 4 tournamentsCompeted in 4 tournaments Blackstone Regional, Central MA State Blackstone Regional, Central MA State

(Robonautica), Eastern MA State, Charlton (King of (Robonautica), Eastern MA State, Charlton (King of the Hill) post-seasonthe Hill) post-season Our teams did well in each competition, first place in Our teams did well in each competition, first place in

new Eastern MA tournament and in Charltonnew Eastern MA tournament and in Charlton


FLL 2003 – Mission MarsFLL 2003 – Mission Mars

Eight teams organized for internal competitionEight teams organized for internal competition Students from various elementary plus Middle SchoolStudents from various elementary plus Middle School Competing as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, B & CCompeting as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, B & C

Competed in 4 tournamentsCompeted in 4 tournaments Blackstone Regional, Central MA State (Robonautica), Blackstone Regional, Central MA State (Robonautica),

Eastern MA State, World Championship in AtlantaEastern MA State, World Championship in Atlanta Our teams did well in each competition, first place and Our teams did well in each competition, first place and

Director’s Award at Eastern MA tournamentDirector’s Award at Eastern MA tournament Two mini-teams combined to go to AtlantaTwo mini-teams combined to go to Atlanta

Current names: Team Unlimited & AngelbotsCurrent names: Team Unlimited & Angelbots Transformative experience!Transformative experience!


Focus of robotics teamsFocus of robotics teams

Many teams are casualMany teams are casual Learning and having fun, just another activityLearning and having fun, just another activity

Some teams become seriousSome teams become serious More focus and time commitment, result-orientedMore focus and time commitment, result-oriented

Of those teams, some step up to dedicatedOf those teams, some step up to dedicated Year-round commitmentYear-round commitment Facing outward, promoting the program and Facing outward, promoting the program and

mentoringmentoring Our most dedicated teams are a huge resource Our most dedicated teams are a huge resource

to the organization!to the organization!


The World Championship The World Championship ExperienceExperience

Attending the World Championships can be a Attending the World Championships can be a transformative experience for a young FIRST transformative experience for a young FIRST teamteam Breadth and scope of FIRSTBreadth and scope of FIRST Making connections outside of regionMaking connections outside of region Motivation to redouble efforts in the futureMotivation to redouble efforts in the future

SYRA teams (2 or more) have been at Atlanta every SYRA teams (2 or more) have been at Atlanta every season since April 2004season since April 2004

Motivation to “pay it forward”, the foundation of the Motivation to “pay it forward”, the foundation of the SYRA Mentors teamSYRA Mentors team


FLL 2004 – No LimitsFLL 2004 – No Limits

Seven teams organized for internal competitionSeven teams organized for internal competition Competing as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, B & CCompeting as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, B & C

Angelbots, CoCoColas, Eaglettes, Robotic Chimps, Angelbots, CoCoColas, Eaglettes, Robotic Chimps, UnlimitedUnlimited

Meeting venue changed to library, due to roof leaks!Meeting venue changed to library, due to roof leaks! Competed in 4 tournamentsCompeted in 4 tournaments

Blackstone Regional, Central MA State Blackstone Regional, Central MA State (Robonautica), Eastern MA State, QCC post-season(Robonautica), Eastern MA State, QCC post-season Our teams did well in competition, 1st place at Our teams did well in competition, 1st place at

Blackstone, 2Blackstone, 2ndnd place in Eastern MA, awards for all & a place in Eastern MA, awards for all & a 3 team shared Team Spirit Award in Central MA3 team shared Team Spirit Award in Central MA


The Saga of the Sharon Youth The Saga of the Sharon Youth Robotics Association – Inception Robotics Association – Inception of FVC/FTCof FVC/FTC

Started with the spring 2005 FVC demo seasonStarted with the spring 2005 FVC demo season Provided a critical opportunity for continuing the Provided a critical opportunity for continuing the

experience of our younger teamsexperience of our younger teams One team reconstituted for this opportunityOne team reconstituted for this opportunity

Sharon Angelbots (44), Sharon Myotonics (78), Sharon Angelbots (44), Sharon Myotonics (78), Team Unlimited (13)Team Unlimited (13) Teams formed primarily from FLL graduatesTeams formed primarily from FLL graduates Teams are organized independently, coordinate looselyTeams are organized independently, coordinate loosely Team Unlimited forms the core of the SYRA Mentors Team Unlimited forms the core of the SYRA Mentors

TeamTeam At least two teams have been in Atlanta every AprilAt least two teams have been in Atlanta every April


FVC Spring 2005 – Demo seasonFVC Spring 2005 – Demo season

Radio Shack & FIRST Vex Challenge demonstration Radio Shack & FIRST Vex Challenge demonstration at World Championships in Atlanta (52 teams)at World Championships in Atlanta (52 teams)

One month build period – 4 kits supplied per teamOne month build period – 4 kits supplied per team Challenge recreated FRC 2004 “FIRST Frenzy – Challenge recreated FRC 2004 “FIRST Frenzy –

Raising the Bar”Raising the Bar” Fielded two teams – Team Unlimited (FVC 13) & Fielded two teams – Team Unlimited (FVC 13) &

Angelbots (FVC 44)Angelbots (FVC 44) 2 members of a “graduated” FLL team added in2 members of a “graduated” FLL team added in

Created new website (eaglevex.syraweb.org) to Created new website (eaglevex.syraweb.org) to inform FIRST community – quickly became a top inform FIRST community – quickly became a top Google hitGoogle hit


FLL 2005 – Ocean OdysseyFLL 2005 – Ocean Odyssey

Six teams organized for internal competitionSix teams organized for internal competition Competing as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, BCompeting as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, B Devil Bots, DoodleBots, Fish n’ Chips, Motorized Fish, Devil Bots, DoodleBots, Fish n’ Chips, Motorized Fish,

Robotic ChimpsRobotic Chimps Meetings @ Girl Scout House, due to basement flood in Meetings @ Girl Scout House, due to basement flood in

library!library! First season for SYRA Mentors Team, from FVC teamsFirst season for SYRA Mentors Team, from FVC teams Competed in 3 tournamentsCompeted in 3 tournaments

Blackstone Regional, Central MA State, Eastern MA StateBlackstone Regional, Central MA State, Eastern MA State Our teams did well in each competition, top half, awardsOur teams did well in each competition, top half, awards

Award for Top Mentor to a member of our Mentors TeamAward for Top Mentor to a member of our Mentors Team


SYRA Mentors TeamSYRA Mentors Team

Founded by Team Unlimited, with support from Founded by Team Unlimited, with support from members of the Angelbots and the Myotonicsmembers of the Angelbots and the Myotonics Important to pay forward the tremendous opportunities Important to pay forward the tremendous opportunities

that we have been fortunate enough to havethat we have been fortunate enough to have SYRA FLL team mentoringSYRA FLL team mentoring

Internal: kickoff, weekly mtgs, tournaments, Internal: kickoff, weekly mtgs, tournaments, invitationalinvitational

External: website, outreach to other teams, External: website, outreach to other teams, volunteering (especially trained FLL referees)volunteering (especially trained FLL referees)

Regional FTC mentoringRegional FTC mentoring Outreach to other teams, RI FTC programOutreach to other teams, RI FTC program Website, volunteeringWebsite, volunteering


FIRST program promotionFIRST program promotion

FTC team members promote the FIRST FLL and FTC team members promote the FIRST FLL and FTC programs at appropriate venuesFTC programs at appropriate venues FLL tournaments, for team members ready to FLL tournaments, for team members ready to

“graduate”“graduate” Demos and “games” (such as Robotic Soccer)Demos and “games” (such as Robotic Soccer)

FRC tournaments, for introducing the public to FLL & FRC tournaments, for introducing the public to FLL & FTCFTC

Targets of opportunity, such as . . .Targets of opportunity, such as . . . TiECON East (entrepreneurs conference) w/Dean TiECON East (entrepreneurs conference) w/Dean

Kamen speaking on panelKamen speaking on panel National Science Teachers Association conferenceNational Science Teachers Association conference


FVC 2005-6 – Pilot SeasonFVC 2005-6 – Pilot Season

Challenge: the Half-Pipe HustleChallenge: the Half-Pipe Hustle Fielded three teams – Team Unlimited (FVC 13), Fielded three teams – Team Unlimited (FVC 13),

Angelbots (FVC 44) & Myotonics (FVC 78)Angelbots (FVC 44) & Myotonics (FVC 78) Myotonics re-formed from a “graduated” FLL teamMyotonics re-formed from a “graduated” FLL team

Competed at NERVE in ConnecticutCompeted at NERVE in Connecticut All three teams to World ChampionshipsAll three teams to World Championships SYRA “Mentors Team” foundedSYRA “Mentors Team” founded

Mentoring SYRA FLL teamsMentoring SYRA FLL teams Posting useful info (tournament info, resources, Posting useful info (tournament info, resources,

photos)photos) Outreach FVC promotional efforts at FLL venuesOutreach FVC promotional efforts at FLL venues


FLL 2006 – Nano QuestFLL 2006 – Nano Quest

Seven teams organized for internal competitionSeven teams organized for internal competition Competing as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, B & CCompeting as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, B & C Best Bots, Black Botz, Devil Bots, Eris Bots, Fire Blazers, Best Bots, Black Botz, Devil Bots, Eris Bots, Fire Blazers,

Motorized Molecules, Nano Brothers (Bricksters 7)Motorized Molecules, Nano Brothers (Bricksters 7) Meeting venue Girl Scout HouseMeeting venue Girl Scout House


Eastern MA State, QCC post-seasonEastern MA State, QCC post-season Our teams did well in each competition, always in the top Our teams did well in each competition, always in the top

half of the field, and 1half of the field, and 1stst place at Eastern MA States place at Eastern MA States 11stst Annual Sharon FLL Invitational, run by Mentors Team Annual Sharon FLL Invitational, run by Mentors Team Mentors team prevailed, even w/ FLL-FVC season Mentors team prevailed, even w/ FLL-FVC season

conflictconflict


Sharon FLL Invitational Sharon FLL Invitational competitionscompetitions

Tune-up competition before Eastern & Central MATune-up competition before Eastern & Central MA Organized and run by the Mentors teamOrganized and run by the Mentors team

Up to eight teams invitedUp to eight teams invited Volunteers from all the FTC teamsVolunteers from all the FTC teams Two tables, two trained refs, scoring table & public Two tables, two trained refs, scoring table & public

displaydisplay Full judging panelFull judging panel Music, with MC & DJ; snacks!Music, with MC & DJ; snacks! Awards!Awards!

Held on Sunday, accommodation to our Orthodox Held on Sunday, accommodation to our Orthodox teamteam


FVC 2006-7 – Extended Pilot FVC 2006-7 – Extended Pilot SeasonSeason

Challenge: Hangin’-A-RoundChallenge: Hangin’-A-Round Fielded three teams – Team Unlimited (FVC 2013), Fielded three teams – Team Unlimited (FVC 2013),

Angelbots (FVC 2044) & Myotonics (FVC 2078)Angelbots (FVC 2044) & Myotonics (FVC 2078) Competed at ConnVex in CT, QCC in MACompeted at ConnVex in CT, QCC in MA eaglevex.syraweb.orgeaglevex.syraweb.org as a useful web resource for as a useful web resource for

FVCFVC Team Unlimited & Myotonics to World ChampionshipsTeam Unlimited & Myotonics to World Championships SYRA FTC “Mentors Team” major focus continuesSYRA FTC “Mentors Team” major focus continues

Mentoring, outreach, website, promotion of FVCMentoring, outreach, website, promotion of FVC Focus on relationship building with other programs Focus on relationship building with other programs Assisted w/RI FVC kickoff, workshops & championshipAssisted w/RI FVC kickoff, workshops & championship

http://eaglevex.syraweb.org/


FLL 2007 – Power PuzzleFLL 2007 – Power Puzzle

Seven teams organized for internal competitionSeven teams organized for internal competition Competing as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, B & CCompeting as the “Sharon Eagle Robotics” A, B & C Best Bots, Black Botz, Devil Bots, Eris Bots, Fire Blazers, Best Bots, Black Botz, Devil Bots, Eris Bots, Fire Blazers,

Motorized Molecules, Nano Brothers (Bricksters 7)Motorized Molecules, Nano Brothers (Bricksters 7) MeetingMeeting venue Girl Scout House venue Girl Scout House


Eastern MA State,Eastern MA State, Boston PowerPlay!Boston PowerPlay! Our teams rocked! 1Our teams rocked! 1stst place at Eastern MA States, 1 place at Eastern MA States, 1stst & 2 & 2ndnd

place at Central MA States, 1place at Central MA States, 1stst & 2 & 2ndnd place at Boston place at Boston PowerPlay! PowerPlay!

22ndnd Annual Sharon FLL Invitational, run by Mentors Annual Sharon FLL Invitational, run by Mentors TeamTeam


FTC 2007-8 – FTC acceptedFTC 2007-8 – FTC accepted

Challenge: the Quad QuandaryChallenge: the Quad Quandary Fielded three teams – Team Unlimited (FTC 1), Angelbots (FTC 120) Fielded three teams – Team Unlimited (FTC 1), Angelbots (FTC 120)

& Myotonics (FTC 512)& Myotonics (FTC 512)

Competed at Manchester CT and Palmer MACompeted at Manchester CT and Palmer MA eaglevex.syraweb.orgeaglevex.syraweb.org as a useful web resource for FTC as a useful web resource for FTC Team Unlimited & Angelbots to World ChampionshipsTeam Unlimited & Angelbots to World Championships SYRA FTC “Mentors Team” major focus continuesSYRA FTC “Mentors Team” major focus continues

Mentoring, outreach, website, promotion of FVCMentoring, outreach, website, promotion of FVC Focus on relationship building with other programsFocus on relationship building with other programs Assisted w/RI FTC kickoff, workshops & championship Assisted w/RI FTC kickoff, workshops & championship

http://eaglevex.syraweb.org/


FLL 2008 – Climate ConnectionsFLL 2008 – Climate Connections

Plans for coming seasonPlans for coming season Expand fund-raisingExpand fund-raising Transfer meetings back to the Sharon Community Transfer meetings back to the Sharon Community

CenterCenter Expand recruiting efforts for FLL teamsExpand recruiting efforts for FLL teams Alter newspaper coverage tacticsAlter newspaper coverage tactics Double the size for the Fourth Annual Sharon FLL Double the size for the Fourth Annual Sharon FLL

Invitational, to be held at the Sharon Community Invitational, to be held at the Sharon Community CenterCenter

Recruit up FTC teams, many graduating seniorsRecruit up FTC teams, many graduating seniors Potentially start an FRC team in conjunction with Potentially start an FRC team in conjunction with

Sharon High SchoolSharon High School


FTC 2008-9 – FTC changes in the FTC 2008-9 – FTC changes in the windwind

Challenge yet revealed (TBD)Challenge yet revealed (TBD) Vex Development System being replaced by a new kit Vex Development System being replaced by a new kit

integrated by Pitsco (most existing teams displeased)integrated by Pitsco (most existing teams displeased) Competing programs making severe inroads to the Competing programs making severe inroads to the

FTC program in New England (Savage Soccer, FTC program in New England (Savage Soccer, VexLabs)VexLabs)

SYRA teams recruiting up to replace large number of SYRA teams recruiting up to replace large number of graduating seniorsgraduating seniors

Planning kickoff & workshops for MA FTCPlanning kickoff & workshops for MA FTC As we assisted with in RI past two seasonsAs we assisted with in RI past two seasons

Potential for starting an FRC team in SharonPotential for starting an FRC team in Sharon


Wrap-upWrap-up

Advantages to larger groupAdvantages to larger group Bringing the message of Bringing the message of

FIRST to more peopleFIRST to more people More resources from more More resources from more

dedicated & experienced dedicated & experienced peoplepeople

Many hands make light Many hands make light work . . . but too many work . . . but too many cooks . . .cooks . . .

Challenges to larger groupChallenges to larger group Having all pull in Having all pull in

compatible directionscompatible directions Leaving no one outLeaving no one out

Questions?Questions?

The Rewards?The Rewards?

Intangible but real . . .Intangible but real . . .

The success of a program The success of a program like this is the success of like this is the success of kids in your community!kids in your community!

2008 first robotics conference building & sustaining a community robotics program – a case...

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