This email includes the following information:
1. October Team Status Report
2. Scrimmages are Open!
3. Community Networking - 5 Easy Steps
4. Video Resources on YouTube!
5. Qualifier Registration - Round #2 Closes tomorrow, Oct. 20th
6. Seeking Volunteers
---
1. October Team Status Report
Each month, we ask for teams to provide feedback in regards to their progress. This feedback is then used to provide support or help resolve any problems or questions teams may have encountered. It is very beneficial for teams to complete the Status Reports.
The October Status Report can be completed at: https://docs.google.com/
This report will close on October 27, 2011.
During the FTC season, we pick a random status report and send out a little token of appreciation to those teams who complete it. Is the October one the lucky report?
---
2. Scrimmage Events are Open!
Scrimmage events are excellent opportunities for teams. Although the goal of the scrimmages are to run matches for teams, the exchanging of ideas from the teams is amazing. Teams who attend scrimmages walk-away with so much more information and knowledge, it really is amazing.
Is your team a little scared of attending a scrimmage because "they aren't ready"? Its ok! Scrimmages are events where your team can arrive with a box of parts, and by the end of the event, your team will have a chassis. (We've seen that happen several times!) We would encourage rookie teams to work through the "Getting Started with TETRIX Guide", which was included with your kit.
Scrimmage events are:
Oct. 22 - Oelwein
Oct. 29 - Ankeny
Nov. 5 - Solon
More information, including how to register, can be found at: http://drupal.engineering.
---
3. Community Networking - 5 Easy Steps
FTC teams are successful when they begin to use the resources (whatever they may be) in their community. On Monday, Ken Johnson, Director of FTC, posted an article on his blog about Community Networking. The article was written by Terri Willingham a coach for "Team Duct Tape" in Florida. The information provided is VERY helpful. Check it out at: http://firsttechchallenge.
Think your community is too far from "civilization"? Do you live out "in-the-middle-of-no-where" and you don't have any local resources? You do. Just ask.
---
4. Video Resources on YouTube!Some great resources for your team may include watching some YouTube videos. Check out the following resources:
- FTC National YouTube Channel - This includes excellent tutorials about "Preventing ElectroStatic Discharge", "FTC and Video: Awards and Tips and Tricks".
- Other team videos - An excellent example of this is by team #4530. Check out their video about "configuration of the Samantha module"
- By doing a simple search on YouTube, and using some keywords, such as "FTC 2011", "teams", "Bowled Over", (or a combination of these) etc. You'll be able to find many videos to help with your robot design.
---
5. Qualifier Tournaments - Round #2 Closes tomorrow, Oct. 20th
Thank you for all of the teams who have signed up for Qualifier Tournaments. At this time, we have each team designed to at least one event.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Teams are only "required" to compete at one event.
- Any team who chooses to compete in a second event, they must register before Oct. 20th. (TOMORROW!)
- If a team registers for two qualifiers, and then advances to state from their first competition, they are still obligated to attend the second qualifier
- Each qualifier has a registration fee of $150. If a team registers for two events, the total cost of registration fee is $300. Invoices will be sent out early next week.
---
6. Seeking Volunteers
Are there members of your community (parents of your team members, school board members, local engineers, etc) who would like to be involved more with FTC by helping at an event? There are some excellent opportunities for more community involvement. We are seeking volunteers for our qualifier tournaments and the state championship event. Some positions (judge, referee, FTA, emcee, scorekeeper, etc) require pre-event training, but for others, no training is required. More information can be found at: http://drupal.engineering.
All volunteers will receive a t-shirt (to wear on that day) and a "Volunteer Passport". For each event a volunteer helps with, they will receive a "stamp" of appreciation. Try to collect all of the stamps!
A final note about volunteers: FTC-Iowa would not be successful if it wasn't for the dedicated and wonderful volunteers who help with this program. These folks give their time to help the students of your community. Show some appreciation by Thanking a Volunteer today! Thank you!!
--------
Have a good week and see you out there!
As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!!!
