1. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. NorCal FLL Coaches’ Training 9/16/2009

2. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Playing At Learning 501(c)(3) non-profit Provide & support technology-based enrichment programs for kids Completely volunteer-based Northern California Affiliate Partner: –FIRST LEGO League –FIRST Tech Challenge Support / Promote –Junior FIRST LEGO League

3. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Our Role in FLL Host the Northern California Championship Coordinate all Qualifying Tournaments –District –Regional Provide local support for FLL coaches, teams, and students Outreach

4. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Today’s Goals Raise comfort level Heads up on what’s coming Provide resources for later

5. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Overview Coach’s Role The Season Tournaments Resources Q&A

6. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. The Coach’s Role Kids do the work! Facilitate & Challenge! Control the process, not the content Celebrate the successes Coaches’ Promise –Read, understand & live it!

7. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Coaches’ Promise 1.The kids come first. FLL is about the kids having fun and getting excited about science andtechnology. Everything my team does starts and ends with that principle. 2.The kids do the work. This is their opportunity to learn and grow. The kids on my team do all of the programming, research, problem solving, and building. Adults can help them find the answers, but cannot give them the answers or make the decisions. 3.My team is comprised of ten or fewer members (all team members participate on only one team), registered as an official FLL team, and all team members are no older than 14 on January 1st of the Challenge year. 4.FLL communicates with my team via my primary email address, and I am responsible for reading and relaying all aspects of FLL guidelines and rules to my team, other coaches, volunteers, and parents. 5.I will encourage my team members, other coaches, volunteers, and team supporters to develop and practice a set of FLL Values that reflects FIRST’s goal to change culture in a positive way by inspiring others through our team’s actions and words.

8. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Coach’s Responsibilities Read, know & be a resource for: –The Rules –The Game/Missions and Q&A –The Research Project Registration –National –Tournament Paperwork - Liability Waivers; Team Profile Instill FLL Values in entire team!

9. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. FLL Values Respect each other in the best spirit of teamwork Behave with courtesy and compassion for others at all times Honor the spirit of friendly competition Act with integrity Demonstrate gracious professionalism Encourage others to adopt these values

10. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Keep in Mind! FLL is NOT about competition –90% is accomplished before tournaments! –Going through the process is the goal! Kids –do the work –make the choices Keep it FUN - Celebrate!

11. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Coaching Resources Coaches Manual NorCal FLL Website –http://www.norcalfll.org Ning Groups –http://norcalfll.ning.com FIRST LEGO League Site FLL Team Forums Playing At Learning Website –http://www.playingatlearning.org

12. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Team Size Maximum is 10 Typical is 4-5 Right Size depends on you & kids –Co-coaches –Structured meetings –Kids with existing relationships

13. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Team Member Ages FIRST says 9-14 Upper limit is “hard” –14 or younger Jan. 1, 2009 Lower limit is “soft” –Attention span –Work in team environment for 2+ hours Limit age differences within a team

14. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Needed Equipment NXT or RCX Robot Kit –Any version of Mindstorms –Any version of software (RoboLab or NXT-G) Field Setup Kit –Can share but team must have access to at least one FLL Table (or equivalent) Laptop(s)

15. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Working with Your Team Don’t do it alone –All of the kids on the team have parents! –Make them a part of the process Snacks Field Trips / Project background “Distractions” Be patient Lead by example

16. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Team Meetings Frequency –Most teams meet at least twice a week Duration –Typically around 2 hours per session Keep it structured Keep it scheduled

17. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Keeping on Track Goals –Team sets them –Periodically review them Challenge them –Answer questions with questions Don’t let them get stuck

18. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Sharing the Effort Team defines roles Take turns in roles at start Allow team to “gravitate” Respect work of others

19. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. FLL Tournaments 3 tier system in N. CA –1 st Level Tournaments –2 nd Level Tournaments –NorCal FLL Championship Tournament Tournament Policy –1 1 st Level tournament per team –Only 1 Championship per team

20. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. 1 st Level Tournaments 12-15 or more tournament sites 12-24 teams each Variety of locations All dates in November Registration –Open to all NorCal FLL Teams –Opens in October –http://gofll.usfirst.org

21. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. 2 nd Level Tournaments 3 tournaments –Sacramento –San Jose –TBD 36 teams each Registration like 1 st Level –Opens in late November

22. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. NorCal FLL Championship Tournament 48 teams Location TBD –Likely in SF Bay Area Date TBD –Likely mid to late January

23. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Tournament Registration Opens early Oct. http://gofll.usfirst.org –Coach login 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd choices Notification shortly after registration closes You will be asked to (postal) mail all liability waivers to Playing At Learning

24. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Typical Tournament Schedule 8:00AM Team Check-In 8:30AM Opening Ceremony 8:45AMCoaches’ Meeting 9:00AM Judging Starts 12:00PMLunch Break 1:00PM Rounds Start 4:30PMAwards Ceremony 5:00PMCleanup & Go Home

25. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Team Check-In Don’t Be Late! Turn In –Team Volunteer Name(s) – if not already Receive –Tournament Programs –Team ID’s –Team Pit Table Assignment –Team Schedule

26. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Robot Inspection Ensures robot is built following rules Not all tournaments do it –Some do once –Some do at start of each performance round (in the queue)

27. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Opening Ceremony Pledge Of Allegiance FLL Team Creed Possible Speaker

28. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Coaches’ Meeting Mandatory to attend – be on time! Don’t bring the team! –Doesn’t have to be the “coach” but needs to be adult that can relay information back to team –Make sure kids are supervised Includes: –Tournament Director –Head Referee Final Q&A for the day!

29. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Judging 3 judging sessions –Research Project –Robot Design –Teamwork 10 minutes with judges Rubrics in Coaches’ Manual Be on time – queue 10 minutes before scheduled

30. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Research Project Judging 10 Minutes Total –5 minute team presentation –5 minute Q&A with judges Setup time counts Watch out for “technology” Project Examples on DVD

31. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Robot Design Judging 10 minutes Conversation with judges Demo of robot –FLL table in room Don’t script it! Don’t have a “presentation” but you can direct conversation

32. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Teamwork Judging 10 minutes Conversation with judges Includes FLL Values & Gracious Professionalism Alternate Eval Methods –Interview in pits –Team observation May include input from “wandering” judges, as well as others

33. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Judging Feedback Not an absolute number/score Teams are ranked compared to other teams Judges “deliberate” over results Awards based on deliberations Rubric-based feedback given to teams (same day or mailed shortly)

34. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Lunch Bring own Encouraged to buy from tournament –Pre-ordered pizza –Snacks –Fundraiser Food typically NOT ALLOWED in gyms

35. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Robot Performance Rounds Minimum of 3 rounds Highest score Playoff Rounds –Possible time filler while judges deliberate Practice Rounds –Where schedule allows!

36. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Robot Performance Rounds Queue up 10 minutes before scheduled round Only 2 kids at table at a time Match will finish with review w/ referee … KIDS ONLY! Results are final after referee review

37. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Robot Performance Round Tips Practice Have secure way to carry robot & attachments Practice Checklist Practice

38. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Robot Performance Scoring Highest Score Counts –2 nd (and possibly 3 rd ) score as tie- breaker Other awards – other metrics –Rookie Team –Highest Average –Playoffs

39. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Awards Ceremony Final Celebration of Tournament Possible Guest Speakers Awards Volunteer Recognition Sponsor Recognition

40. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Awards Standard Awards –Robot Performance –Robot Design –Research Project –Teamwork Others –Champion’s Award –Rookie Team –Judges’ Award –Volunteer Award

41. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Tournament “Areas” Pits Competition Floor Judging Rooms Common Area

42. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. The “Pits” Work area for teams 1 table & some chairs Power (nearby …) Shared FLL tables for practice Likely noisy & crowded Food may or may not be allowed Possible score display

43. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Competition Floor 1 or more competition table pairs Spectator seating Score display Team queuing area(s) Awards table Information table Likely NO FOOD OR DRINK!

44. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Judging Rooms Possibly multiple sets of rooms Typically near pits or competition floor May be small May not be “spectator-friendly”

45. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Common Area Typically a cafeteria Food sales Place to relax away from noise Not all tournaments have the luxury Eat here!

46. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Bring To Tournament Laptop(s) Robot & pieces Lunch/Snacks Extension Cord(s) Kids Volunteers

47. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Additional Resources Coaches Primer www.fll-freak.com Los Altos Robotics www.losaltosrobotics.org High Tech Kids www.hightechkids.org Oregon FLL www.ortop.org FIRST

48. Copyright © 2009 Playing@Learning. This document may not be duplicated and/or distributed, electronically or otherwise, without explicit permission. Wrap Up / Q&A Questions? For more info: –NorCalFLL Ning Group http://norcalfll.ning.com On the internet –fll@playingatlearning.org –http://www.norcalfll.org –http://www.firstlegoleague.org