Global Collaboration | Workshops | Grants for FTC-Iowa teams

On Monday, we were fortunate to meet with a representative from PTC, Jordan Cox. There is some exciting stuff for the upcoming season.

1. FTC Global Collaboration
2. PTC Workshops
3. Rockwell Collins Grants

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1. FTC Global CollaborationPTC is starting a new program called the "Global Collaboration Project". This would be to pair-up successful Iowa teams with teams in different countries, specifically India. The Iowa teams would help mentor the teams from India via Skype and use the WindChill collaboration tool and ProE/MathCad (this is where PTC is interested). The India FTC season will start June 1 and the Championship will be on Aug. 15. The game they will be playing is "Get Over It!". On Aug. 15th, the goal is to have an area where the Iowa teams can "watch" how their counterparts in India are doing at their Championship, all via Skype. Our team is trying to organize a location for this.

Consider this an opportunity for your team to: 1) meet and work with students from different countries; 2) have the ability to use and gain knowledge with using the PTC software: Pro/E, WindChill, and MathCad, so you can be proficient next season; 3) have the ability to work through Get Over It! a second time and look at the challenge in a new prospective.  If you are interested in helping teams from India, please let me know by Monday, May 23rd. I will then forward your contact information to PTC and they can get WindChill accounts set up for your team members.

(FYI: all of the students from India do speak English, to some extent.)

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2. PTC Workshops
One thing we discovered by attending World Championships, a few weeks ago, was the amount of teams who used Pro/E to design their bots. We understand using another software program takes time, which many teams do not have, but please think of it this way:

• If you do not use Pro/E or a CAD program to build your robot, you can get the structure done faster. However, what happens if an internal part disconnects? What happens if the center of gravity is off? You would need to dismantle the bot or it may tip over and not function.
• If you do use Pro/E or a CAD program to help build the bot, the bot may not be constructed quickly, but your team will be able to test the center of gravity and you'll be able to see how the internal dimensions of the bot. In addition, you will know the exact dimensions of the bot, which comes in handy for inspections.
  
• *Remember, Pro/E and the other PTC software applications come when you purchase the kit of parts and/or the Software Renewal Package.*

About 95% of teams, who competed at Worlds used Pro/E or a CAD software.

In August and throughout the early next season we will be hosting PTC workshops. If you are interested in attending or even hosting a workshop, please let us know by Monday, May 23rd so we can arrange dates and locations.

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3. Rockwell Collins Grants
Please don't miss out on this opportunity to get support through Rockwell Collins. They are now accepting applications for FTC team grants. More information can be found on our website: https://sites.google.com/site/ftciowa/

Historically, their policy is to award grants to non-profit organizations, such as schools, 4-H Clubs, Girl/Boy Scouts, etc. In addition, they will award up to 2 grants per location - so, if you had one team last season, and would like to start up a second team, please submit an application for your team from last year and another one for your new team. (If you are not adding any more teams, please submit an application for your team from last year.)

Changes to FTC-Iowa Program for 2011/2012: Qualifier Tournaments

As we prepare for the 2011/2012 FTC Season, we are anticipating large team growth in Iowa. In order to allow teams to compete, and fulfill the criteria for the Rockwell Collins grants, we will be implementing Qualifier Tournament System throughout Iowa.

Some FAQ about the Qualifier Tournament System:

--What is a qualifier tournament? Qualifier tournaments, hosted throughout the State, are small tournaments between 12-16 teams competing. Teams compete in order to advance to the FTC-Iowa Championship. Team will not be allowed to compete at the FTC-Iowa Championship without competing at a qualifier.

-- Is there a max of number of qualifiers for each team? Teams will be able to participate in 2 or 3* qualifiers. *If a team participates in an early event, it may be possible for teams to participate in two additional events. The idea: Teams should play early and play often.

-- How do teams register? Shortly after Kick-Off, teams will have one week to register for their first qualifier. We will close that registration after one week. The next week, the second round of qualifier registrations will open, which will close after one week. Teams and qualifier hosts will be notified as who will be attend the events. Please note: If teams do not sign up for a qualifier event during the registration weeks, they will forfeit the opportunity to compete and will not be able to compete at the FTC-Iowa Championship.

-- Other details: If a team registers for two qualifiers, and earns a bid to the FTC-Iowa Championship from the first one, they will still be RESPONSIBLE to attend the second qualifier. If a team does not attend the second qualifier, they will forfeit their bid to the Iowa Championship. As a Qualifier Tournament host, you are counting on having the registered teams attend.

-- Who advances from the Qualifier Tournament? Currently, the Inspire Award Winning Team, the Captain of the Winning Alliance, and one other team (criteria to be determined) will advance to the FTC-Iowa Championship.

Although there are many details yet to be figured out, this is the start for teams to prepare for the qualifiers.

Remember, teams, the key its that you compete early and compete often.

Good luck and see you at Kick-Off!