1. Protect your Trees and Home from Nature’s Fury! Presented by Leslie Lytle, Nikki Bires & Claire Fergusson

2.  FLL stands for First Lego League  Has kids from over 80 countries and from ages 9-14 participating  FIRST has many levels including JR. FLL, FLL, FTC, and FRC.  Teams are judged on 3 parts: Research, Robot, and Core Values.  Lego league Links: http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FLL/Communications_Resource_C enter/Flyers/FLL_AtaGlance_FNL.pdf http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FLL/Communications_Resource_C enter/Flyers/FLL_Schools_FNL.pdf

3.  T eams program a LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT robot to complete missions.  There are three trials which all last for 2:30 minutes  Each year there is a theme that the missions are based on. This year it is Nature’s Fury!!  Teams are also judged on robot design.  In robot design we are judged on programming, creativity, and the design of the robot.

4. Double click on the video to start.

5.  Every year there is a theme  Each team selects a problem associated with that theme  Create a solution to your problem  Create a presentation and a research board  Consult with professionals about your solution  Judged on innovation of your solution

6.  The problem we focused on is falling trees in the City of Alexandria.  Our solution is an easy-to-use app that lets homeowners rate the fall risk of their trees.  We consulted with two arborists about our research, John Noelle and James Powell.  We have a sponsor, The Care Of Trees, who helped us develop risk factors for our app.  Our free Android app “Treesurance” is available for download on Google Play. http://goo.gl/94Uw52 or by scanning this QR code with your Android smartphone or tablet: http://goo.gl/94Uw52

7.  W e are presented with a task that the team must do together and then judged on how well the team works together.  A big emphasis is placed on gracious professionalism which is the FLL way of doing things. It encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.  Teams are encouraged to show kindness and respect during fierce competition. Teams can and should help and cooperate with, learn from and teach each other and show good sportsmanship.

8.  The kids do all the work  Develops an interest for math, science, and technology  Many scholarships are offered at the higher levels  It’s fun!  Teams learn teamwork and public speaking  Teams apply skills to real world issues