November 2024 FLL Coach Conference Call

By Mel Wade |

FLL Coach Conference Call Meeting Recording

Meeting notes generated by AI. :

  • Awards and Advancement: Mel explained the awards and advancement process for the First Lego League, highlighting the four areas: robot design, robot game, core values, and innovation project. They clarified that a team can only win one judged award, with exceptions for second or third place champions awards.
    • Awards Process: Mel explained that the First Lego League awards process involves four areas: robot design, robot game, core values, and innovation project. Teams can only win one judged award, with exceptions for second or third place champions awards. The process starts with evaluating all rubrics, entering them into the system, and assigning values. Judges then decide on the Champions Award and proceed to first, second, and third place awards.
    • Judged Awards: Mel clarified that a team can only win one judged award, except for second or third place champions awards. Robot performance is not a judged award. If a team wins the Champions Award, they do not receive any other judged awards. The same applies to first place awards in core values, innovation project, or robot design; the team will not receive other awards in these categories.
    • Advancement Criteria: Mel explained that overall advancement is determined by combining scores from the four areas: robot design, robot game, core values, and innovation project. Each area contributes 25% to the overall score. A team could win first place in one area but still not advance if their overall combined score is lower than other teams.
  • Judging Process: Mel detailed the judging process, including how rubrics are evaluated and how the Champions Award is decided based on combined scores from the four areas. They emphasized that overall rankings determine advancement, not just individual awards.
    • Rubric Evaluation: Mel described the judging process, where all rubrics are evaluated and entered into the system. Values are assigned based on the rubrics, and judges use these to determine the Champions Award. The process involves evaluating robot design, robot game, core values, and innovation project, each contributing equally to the overall score.
    • Champions Award: Mel explained that the Champions Award is decided by combining scores from the four areas: robot design, robot game, core values, and innovation project. Each area contributes 25% to the overall score. The team with the highest combined score wins the Champions Award.
    • Overall Rankings: Mel emphasized that overall rankings, not just individual awards, determine advancement. A team could win first place in one area but still not advance if their overall combined score is lower than other teams. This ensures a balanced evaluation of all aspects of the competition.
  • Robot Performance Clarification: VRA asked if the robot performance referred to the game, and Mel confirmed that it is based on the rankings of the game itself.
  • Robot Design Judging: Harold inquired about the robot design judging, and Mel explained that it evaluates the process used to design the robot rather than the final product. They also mentioned the importance of following the process for the innovation project.
    • Design Process: Harold asked about robot design judging, and Mel explained that it evaluates the process used to design the robot rather than the final product. The judging session focuses on the team’s approach, creativity, and problem-solving skills during the design process.
    • Innovation Project: Mel emphasized the importance of following the process for the innovation project. Teams are judged on their adherence to the process, including research, ideation, and implementation, rather than the final outcome of the project.
    • Judging Resources: Mel directed participants to the First Lego League website for resources on judging and scoring materials. They highlighted the importance of understanding the rubrics and the judging session flow chart to prepare effectively for the competition.
  • Mission 10 Update: Mel discussed a rule update for Mission 10, explaining the need to adjust the placement of the mission model due to spacing issues. They are considering adding an inch and a half in between the axles to ensure proper placement.
  • Advancement to Invitational Tournaments: Mel announced that two teams from their championship will be able to advance to the Florida Sunshine Invitational in Daytona Beach, thanks to a relationship with the Florida First organization.
  • Event Registration: Mel reminded participants to sign up for events on the Adventist Robotics website and emphasized the importance of registering early for planning purposes.
  • Participation Encouragement: Mel encouraged teams to participate in events even if they don’t feel fully prepared, emphasizing the learning experience and the importance of the process over the final product.
  • Event Size and Awards: Denise asked about the number of teams required for second and third place awards, and Mel explained that it usually depends on the size of the tournament, with larger tournaments more likely to have multiple awards.
  • Mentorship and Professional Development: Mel addressed a question about mentorship opportunities, suggesting that participants reach out to them for help finding local mentors or professional development resources.

Follow-up tasks:

  • Recording of Last Call: Email Mel to request a copy of the recording from the last coach call for a deep dive into the awards and judging process.
  • Professional Development Link: Provide a link to the first professional development resources in the chat for those interested in additional training. 
  • Local Mentorship: Reach out to Mel via email to find a local mentor or school for assistance with the robotics program. 
  • Event Registration Confirmation: Search for an email from Ticket Spice to confirm event registration or contact Mel for verification if uncertain. 
  • Event Registration: Register for the qualifying tournament on the Adventist Robotics website as soon as possible to aid in event planning. 
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